A popular chef at a Hamilton care home has been named regional chef of the year in the Scotland and north-east England heat of the Great British care awards.
Robert Sorbie, who cooks for residents and staff at Abbeydale Court on Strathaven Road in the town, took the title in recognition of his “passion for culinary excellence and his dedication to bringing joy to residents”.
He has been head chef at the local home for eight years, following an impressive decades-long culinary career and will now go on to compete for the overall UK title at an awards ceremony in Birmingham next March.
Judges were impressed by Robert’s drive and passion as he was described as “an asset to the care sector”, with his award citation saying: “He is always looking ahead to the next internal event to ensure it’s a memorable experience for both residents and their families, and adapts day-to-day menus freely to ensure everyone’s nutritional needs are met.”
He was selected as the winner of the care home chef category for providing wide and varied menus, worthwhile mealtimes, healthy food choices, catering for special dietary requirements, hygiene and sustainability, as well as using local produce and linking in with residents’ activities.
Robert took up his post at 109-bed Abbeydale Court in November 2016 and delights residents with not only a fresh, homemade daily menu, but also “takes pride in preparing food for family occasions, birthday celebrations, and private dining experiences for residents and their loved ones”.
He began his culinary career as an apprentice baker at the age of 16, attending college part-time to earn his qualifications and within six years having progressed to become an assistant manager.
Deciding that his passion lay in becoming a chef, Robert then enrolled in evening courses at Glasgow College of food technology, gaining professional cookery qualifications including an HNC and HND and going on to become a pastry chef at Strathclyde University’s former Jordanhill campus.
Robert worked his way up to sous chef and eventually to head chef, spending an impressive 21 years in the role before moving into his current role at Abbeydale Court.
He was cheered on at the awards event by home manager Grace Sloan and parent company group catering manager Joanne Ankers, with his employers praising his “extraordinary culinary skills [and] commitment to excellence that places him among the nation’s finest”.
A spokesperson said: “We couldn’t be prouder to see Robert representing our organisation and we’re confident he will continue to impress as he competes for the national title.
“The Great British Care awards are known for their high standards with a rigorous selection process – from hundreds of nominations, only a select few make it to the finals, making this recognition an impressive accomplishment and a particularly meaningful achievement.”
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