At Athena Care Homes, exceptional dining is at the heart of our approach to care. We believe that mealtimes should be more than just nourishing, they should be moments to enjoy, share, and celebrate. That’s why our talented culinary teams work tirelessly to deliver exceptional care home dining experiences every single day, going above and beyond to craft delicious, balanced, and beautifully presented dishes made from fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.
This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Head Chef Karl Turner from Ashlynn Grange – Peterborough, who is taking his culinary passion to new heights by entering the Creed Foodservice Care Chef of the Year Competition.
Celebrating Culinary Excellence in the Care Sector
With nearly 25 years of experience in the catering industry, Karl brings a wealth of skill, creativity, and passion to the Athena Care Homes team. Having worked in countryside pubs, boutique hotels, and now within the care home sector, Karl understands how important food is to both physical health and emotional wellbeing
“I wanted to enter this competition to push myself outside of my comfort zone a little,” Karl explains. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase some of the skills and knowledge I’ve gained since joining the care sector, and hopefully, I can show this off in my cooking and my chosen dish.”
Organised by Creed Foodservice, one of the UK’s leading food suppliers to the care industry, the competition celebrates creativity, skill, and passion for great food.
A Modern Twist on a British Classic
Karl’s chosen theme for the competition is ‘Great Britain’, where he’ll be reimagining a classic British dish and dessert with a modern twist to catch the judges’ attention.
“I always give 110% effort and put pride and passion into every meal,” Karl says. “I pay special attention to the smallest of details, because every flavour counts.”
His approach reflects the same philosophy that guides our kitchens every day: combining fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients with thoughtful presentation to create meals that residents love.
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Cooking with Care: Bringing Joy to Mealtimes
At Ashlynn Grange Care Home, food plays a central role in resident wellbeing. Our chefs work closely with residents to design menus that reflect their preferences, dietary needs, and cultural traditions. Regular tasting sessions and feedback ensure that everyone has a say in what’s served, making mealtimes an enjoyable and inclusive experience.
“I love working in the care sector” Karl shares “as it gives me the opportunity to provide residents with meals they genuinely enjoy. Seeing the smiles on their faces and hearing their feedback is what makes it all worthwhile.”
Karl’s journey represents the dedication and creativity that define Athena Care Homes’ approach to nutrition and wellbeing. His commitment to excellence perfectly reflects our values of care, quality, and community.
We’re incredibly proud of Karl’s hard work and passion, and we wish him the very best of luck in the Creed Foodservice Care Chef of the Year Competition.
