A care home chef from Cheshire has taken home the crown after cooking up a storm in a MasterChef style competition run by not-for-profit provider Sanctuary Care.

Sarah Ashton, chef manager at High Peak Residential and Nursing Home in Warrington, won a £1,000 cash prize after emerging victorious from 13 finalists in the annual competition.

Ashton said: “The competition was fierce, so I am feeling very proud to have won! As a care home chef, it means a lot to have our culinary skills recognised.

“I’ve always loved cooking but working in a care home kitchen is a completely different experience, which brings with it unique challenges and a whole new level of satisfaction.

 “Preparing menus which cater to our residents’ wide range of preferences and dietary requirements requires a certain level of creativity, but knowing how much they look forward to mealtimes is incredibly fulfilling – particularly when they share positive feedback. 

 “It really was an honour to take part in the competition. I can’t wait for next year already!’

The competition saw chefs from over 100 care homes in England and Scotland battle it out to produce a two-course menu in under 90 minutes.

A panel of judges, which included Unilever’s executive chef for UK and Ireland, Alex Hall and Sanctuary Care’s director of operations, Sheila O’Connor, assessed the dishes for taste, culinary flair, creativity, and presentation.

Following Ashton was runner up, Rowena Graham, chef manager at Camilla House Care Home in Edinburgh, with third place awarded to former champion, Ruaan Prins, chef manager at Heathlands Residential Care Home in Worcestershire.