THE CHEF of a Worcester care home, with a Michelin-star restaurant background, whipped up some top nosh to impress the judges of a national competition and walk away with the star prize.

Peter McGregor, head chef of Perry Manor care home, on Charles Hastings Way, beat off stiff opposition from chefs at more than 100 care homes across the UK to earn the prestigious Chef of the Year accolade in Care UK‘s annual awards scheme.

Peter won over the panel of judges, which included Residential Care Services (RCS) chief executive Andrew Knight, with his Supreme of Chicken stuffed with mushrooms and chorizo and served with a red wine and thyme jus. Peter also served an apple puff pastry tart, with fresh blackberries and ice cream for dessert.

He said: “I was so thrilled to hear I had been named Chef of the Year. It’s wonderful to be recognised for my ability to create food that the residents enjoy eating and highlight the high standard of cooking at Perry Manor, which I couldn’t achieve without the support of my brilliant kitchen team.

“It was also great to see the excellent work of many of my colleagues throughout Care UK being recognised at the ceremony.”

Pushpa Sagoo, manager at Perry Manor, said: “Our congratulations go to Peter for a very well-deserved award win. Not only is Peter a skilled and creative chef, his excellent leadership skills have built a brilliant kitchen team.

“He has a Michelin-star restaurant background which shines through in all the food he cooks, residents here at Perry Manor enjoy gourmet meals and Peter ensures that recipes can be tailored to meet individual’s specific needs.

“This is what makes Peter really stand out, his enthusiasm and determination to create meals that all residents can enjoy.”

• The awards, which were presented at this year’s Residential Care Services (RCS) Stars ceremony, recognise and reward individuals and teams excellence across Care UK’s RCS division, which includes 114 homes nationwide.