Wantage care home chef wins Annual Award of Excellence

26-year-old sous chef Liam Balmer, who works at Elmbrook Court care home on Grove Road, won the Annual Award of Excellence from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.

The award is known as the most prestigious for young chefs in the hospitality sector.

The quail dish made by Liam for the asessment (Image: Oakland Care)

Mr Balmer was the only contestant from the care sector in the final stage of the competition.

He said: "I entered the awards to see what I could achieve but also to show that the standard of food we produce at Elmbrook Court is high, and level of detail is exceptional."

For the final task, Mr Balmer had to create a three-course menu in five hours, using a mystery basket of vegetables.

The menu comprised of crab pasta, stuffed quail and cherry clafoutis.

The panel of judges then assessed his meals.

Rebecca Warman, Elmbrook Court’s registered manager, praised his accomplishment.

She said: "This award is very well deserved.

"Liam demonstrates that care home cuisine can be both award-winning and accessible to all, creating meals that are not only delicious but also beautifully presented, regardless of dietary restrictions.

"His flair, pride, and meticulous attention to detail have made our dining room a place where residents eagerly anticipate every meal."

Liam Balmer (second right) accepting his finalist certificate from Martyn Nail (chairman of the kitchen (Royal Academy of Culinary Arts), culinary director at the Dorchester Hywel Jones, chairman of the kitchen (Royal Academy of Culinary Arts), executive chef at Lucknam Park Hotel Phil Howard, president of the Annual Awards of Excellence for the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, executive chef Elystan Street (Image: Oakland Care)

Mr Balmer is known for his ability to prepare meals for various dietary needs, including pureed foods for residents with swallowing difficulties.

"I see the residents as being like my family. If I wouldn’t serve a dish to my family, then I wouldn’t serve it to them, it has to be the same quality," he said.

"I apply those standards to every different dietary need.

"Everyone deserves to be able to eat with dignity."

Resident Jenny Tyack, who has been at Elmbrook Court for three years, spoke highly of his meals.

She said: "We are very proud of Liam.

"I had visitors who joined me for lunch today and they thought it was first class.

"The food here is so good that I have started to put weight on!"

Residents at Elmbrook Court are delighted with Liam's meals (Image: Oakland Care)

On July 29, Mr Balmer will receive his award at a celebration dinner at Claridges in London.

He will also find out if he has won the coveted Young Chef of the Year title.

Giles Conroy, group executive chef for Oakland Care, the parent company of the care home, said: "Liam’s culinary skills and appetite to achieve are truly admirable.

"Recognition in such a prestigious competition is truly well deserved and demonstrates the superior level of repertoire and capability of chefs we have within Oakland Care."