THE HEAD chef of a Worcester care home has reached the finals of a national competition for the second year running.

Peter McGregor, who works at Perry Manor care home on Charles Hastings Way, came through this year’s regional heat to go through to the finals of the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Chef of the Year 2017 together with 11 other care home chefs across the UK.

After making it through to the finals last year, Peter has been recognised for his nutritional understanding of the foods being used, as well as his culinary flair in flavours, execution and presentation. Prior to working at Perry Manor, Peter worked at a sous chef at a Michelin star restaurant.

The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is held annually and highlights the care catering sector and the talented, highly qualified chefs operating within it.

Entrants have to create a nutritionally-balanced, two-course menu (main and dessert) that is suitable for clients in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses must be no more that £2.25 per head based on four portions and it is to be produced in just 90 minutes.

Peter said: “I’m thrilled to have made it to the finals. The level of skill and creativity from the other chefs in the regional heats was really high, but I am confident that the dishes I’m planning for the final will be well received by the judges because they are always enjoyed by the residents of Perry Manor.

“I thoroughly enjoy my job and find it very rewarding. I always ensure that the standard of the food that leaves my kitchen matches the high quality of care that is provided within the home.”

Katherine Matthews, home manager at Perry Manor, said: “The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is a brilliant opportunity for chefs working in the care sector to showcase their talent and expertise.

“It’s great that Peter’s cookery skills have been recognised and we are all eagerly awaiting the finals where we hope he will see further success.”

The final of the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition will take place on Wednesday June 7 with the chefs competing against each other in Barking & Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy in East London.

Neel Radia, national chair, NACC, said: “The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is a fantastic platform to showcase the incredible skills and knowledge of chefs working in the care sector.

“From ensuring meals are nutritionally balanced and beneficial, through to catering for individual needs such as special diets, cultural requirements, reduced appetites and eating difficulties caused by conditions such as dementia and dysphagia, there is an awful lot to consider when creating delicious, appealing menus.

“The competitors in the regional finals demonstrated the highest standards of excellence and understanding of this specialist area of catering. Congratulations to the finalists. From what we’ve seen so far, it’s going to be a closely fought and exciting final. I wish them all the very best of luck.”