I found myself craving a role where my cooking made a genuine difference
When you think of a Head Chef in a care home, what comes to mind?
We bet it’s not freedom, creativity, and emotional connection but at Millennium Care, a Head Chef role offers all that and more.
Just ask Andy Morris, Head Chef at Lavender Hills. With over 30 years of experience in the catering industry, he started in a bustling pub kitchen. But, he’s spent the last four and a half years leading the Kitchen Team at Lavender Hills.
"After years in high-pressure kitchens, I found myself craving a role where my cooking made a genuine difference."
Unlike a typical restaurant environment, working in a care home gives Chefs the unique opportunity to build real relationships with the people they cook for. Andy gets to know residents personally, learning their likes, dislikes, and of course favourite comfort foods!
This connection allows him to create special moments, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a pick-me-up meal for someone who needs a smile.
“The role has been a great deal more rewarding than expected. You get to see first-hand the impact that providing quality, nutritious meals has on the residents, both on their physical and mental health.”
One of Andy’s favourite parts of the job is the creative freedom it provides. He isn’t tied to a rigid menu and has the flexibility to experiment with seasonal recipes, homegrown produce, and new ideas. This freedom allows him to adapt meals based on what’s in season and what the residents enjoy.
“I’ve really enjoyed challenging the popular misconception that care home food is all frozen, pre-made meals produced by underqualified cooks. I’ve had the opportunity to demonstrate that care homes can produce restaurant-quality meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients from local suppliers.”
This role also offers a level of work-life balance that’s hard to find in traditional catering positions. Dissimilar to the fast-paced restaurant world, where orders come in and need to be turned around instantly, the care home kitchen operates differently. The team knows what to prepare in advance, which allows them to focus on delivering high-quality, thoughtful meals without the constant pressure of incoming orders.
While providing delicious, nutritious meals is at the heart of the job, every day brings new opportunities to get creative. Special events, like themed evenings or family celebrations, add variety to Andy’s work, allowing him to cook for larger audiences or try different styles of cuisine.
At Millennium Care, being a Head Chef is about more than just cooking, it’s about making a difference in people’s lives through the power of food.
Think you have what it takes or looking for a different way to promote your cooking prowess?
We’re recruiting for a Head Chef to make an instant impact in our residents’ lives, learn more here: https://bit.ly/3DJow5y
