Worthing chef reaches final six in national Care Chef of the Year competition

Head Chef Simon Cook from Guild Care's Caer Gwent care home earned a place in the top six in the national Care Chef of the Year competition.

Simon represented the Worthing care home at the competition final in Sheffield earlier this month, where entries were judged on appearance, taste and kitchen cleanliness.

Creed's Care Chef of the Year 2026 competition challenged chefs across the country to bring the magic of iconic movie classics to life through a themed menu that is ‘accessible, comforting, and nutritionally balanced for the care environment’.

Simon’s entry of an Italian themed menu was inspired by the classic film, ‘The Italian Job’. He prepared beef cannelloni accompanied by Italian roasted red potatoes, cherry tomato and rocket salad with balsamic glaze, and focaccia bread served with rosemary and garlic infused olive oil.

For dessert, he created a rich Italian-inspired cheesecake pot featuring mascarpone, chocolate and raspberries, served with milk chocolate coated breadsticks drizzled with white chocolate.

Sammy Paynter, Wellbeing Coordinator at Caer Gwent, said, “There are lots of iconic films Simon could have chosen but when we spoke with residents, ‘The Italian Job’ really captured the imagination. Many of them remembered driving Minis years ago and loved the idea straightaway.”

Simon continued, “Once we’d come up with the idea of ‘The Italian Job’, we just ran with it. After so many years in catering, you develop a good understanding of food and what flavours work well together.

“The challenge in a care home is that you’re not just creating a dish once. You have to think about how to adapt it for different dietary requirements and make it special for everyone.”

Simon discovered a love of cooking at thirteen and went on to gain professional qualifications and broad catering experience before joining the team at Caer Gwent as part of the Connect Catering team.

“After nine years here, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said. “Working in care is one of the most rewarding careers in catering, creating something the residents can enjoy and knowing how much it means to them to have their individual dietary needs met.

“I like to get to know residents individually, so I can make sure they are enjoying the menus. It’s also great to plan special occasions, tasting sessions, and our regular themed events with Sammy.”

Clare Feest, Home Manager at Caer Gwent, added, “We are incredibly proud of Simon for reaching the final six of a national competition. As our Head Chef, Simon is at the heart of so many memorable moments for residents, from themed dining experiences and celebrations to the meals that people enjoy every day.

“Simon’s ability to create delicious food for a wide range of dietary needs is exceptional. To be recognised among the top six care chefs in the country is a fantastic achievement.”

To find out more about life at Caer Gwent, visit www.guildcare.org or contact their friendly Customer Relations team on 01903 327 327.