Dorset chef to give care home residents restaurant experience

Simon Lewis, who went to school on Portland, has taken on a new role with Kingsley Healthcare where he will be overseeing the dining experience of Kingsley’s three nursing homes, including the Queen Charlotte Nursing Home, in Weymouth.

Simon, who trained at Weymouth College, said: “I believe everyone deserves a nutritional, tasty plate of food that looks well presented.

“The challenge for a chef in a care home is that residents are dining in the restaurant 365 days a year so they are the hardest clientele to please.”

His aim is to deliver the same experience that guests at a restaurant would enjoy – from the appearance, taste and smell of the food and the touch and feel of the tables to the presentation and service.

He added: “I am passionate about using local produce and have already switched to a Dorset meat supplier.”

The chef has loved getting to know the residents and has incorporated their preferences in a new three-week menu at the Weymouth nursing home.

Simon's version of fish and chips (Image: Kingsley Healthcare Group)

Simon said: “Slow-cooked braised steak is a big favourite and all the residents love their desserts. That’s where chefs can show their flair. Eton Mess goes down well and our lemon meringue roulade is very popular.

“What residents like are simple, basic dishes cooked with flair. If it’s cottage pie it has to be the best cottage pie, if it’s fish and chips, it has to be the best fish and chips.”