Goodwins Hall Care Home in Kings Lynn is delighted to welcome its new head chef, Chris Haughey, who recently took the reins in the kitchen and is already making her mark.
Chris is excited to introduce a brand-new winter menu, her first since joining the team. This menu, filled with fresh ideas and hearty dishes, promises to bring warmth and variety to the residents’ dining experience.
A passion for homemade goodness
Chris has always been passionate about food made from scratch, and her new menu reflects that ethos. She believes in using fresh ingredients wherever possible, ensuring every meal is wholesome, nourishing, and crafted with care.
Residents at Goodwins Hall can expect to see a wide array of options that strike the perfect balance between adventurous new tastes and comforting classics.
From British staples like cobbler and bubble and squeak, to more modern twists, Chris understands the importance of maintaining familiarity while still offering new culinary experiences.
She has taken the time to get to know the residents’ preferences, incorporating both tradition and innovation. A highlight of her menu is the incredible variety of soups — a different one for each day of the week, totalling 24 in all over the winter months.
Bringing global experience to the table
Chris’s culinary journey is as rich and diverse as the dishes she prepares. Born in King’s Lynn, her husband’s family hails from Glasgow, but their love for travel took them far beyond the UK. In their 20s, the couple ventured to Spain for what was meant to be a holiday but turned into a new career. They ran a rock ‘n’ roll diner in Benidorm, serving up meals with a side of Elvis and classic tunes.
Her time abroad not only broadened her culinary skills but also nurtured her love for international cuisine, with Thai food ranking high on her list of favourites. She’s particularly fond of a spicy Thai green curry.
A fresh start in care homes
Chris’s career journey has seen her wearing many hats. From window cleaning to running a pub alongside her husband, she’s gained a wealth of life experience before stepping into the world of the care home kitchen. Both she and her husband are now head chefs at different care homes — a new and exciting challenge for them. Although she’s never worked in care before, Chris is embracing the learning curve and the opportunity to make a positive difference in residents’ lives through food.
One of the aspects Chris loves most about her role is the opportunity to connect with residents. She’s often out of the kitchen, chatting with them, learning their likes and dislikes, and being an active part of residents’ meetings. She believes in making dining an engaging and communal experience, one that goes beyond just eating.
A personal touch and a calm kitchen
When she’s not at work, Chris enjoys life just a ten-minute walk from Goodwins Hall. She cherishes her morning walks to work, using the time to clear her head and prepare for the busy day ahead. Outside of the kitchen, she’s a mother and grandmother, with a passion for reading, jigsaw puzzles, and Formula 1 racing. A life-size cutout of her favourite driver, Lewis Hamilton, stands proudly in her home.
Chris is also a self-confessed fan of Strictly Come Dancing and MasterChef, drawing inspiration from some of her favourite TV chefs like Jamie Oliver, James Martin, and the late Gary Rhodes. She owns over 100 cookbooks, and while she admires the energy of celebrity chefs, Chris’s kitchen at Goodwins Hall is far from shouty. Calm and collaboration are key to her approach, creating a relaxed and positive environment where good food can truly shine.
Excited for the future
As Chris settles into her new role at Goodwins Hall, she’s excited to see how the residents respond to her winter menu. With taster sessions already underway, the feedback has been encouraging, and Chris is looking forward to continuing to develop dishes that bring joy and comfort to the residents.
With her wealth of experience, passion for homemade meals, and dedication to creating a positive atmosphere, Chris Haughey is set to bring a fresh and flavourful perspective to the Goodwins Hall dining experience. Residents can look forward to many delicious meals ahead, each prepared with love, care, and a dash of global inspiration.
