Chef at Woodside Lodge care home in Bransgore wins Hampshire Care Association ‘chef of the year’

RESIDENTS at a Bransgore care home can be assured they’re getting the best food after its head chef won a top title in the Hampshire Care Association awards.

Luke Bale, who works at Woodside Lodge, won ‘chef of the year’ for delivering “delicious and nutritious meals” while dealing with the complications of dementia and balancing resident’s complex health needs.

He has been with the home for 10 years and his specialty of rice pudding is very popular with residents.

One of them, Janet, said: “Luke cooks wonderful food for us, his roast potatoes are the best. He’s so friendly and always goes the extra mile to help us.”

A spokesperson for the home said: “We are all so proud of Luke, he truly deserves recognition for his hard work, he dedicates so much of his own time to chatting with our residents and making sure his menus are just right for each individual.”

Luke’s award is now proudly displayed outside his kitchen and his “wonderful achievement” has been thoroughly celebrated with all the residents, team, and friends of Woodside Lodge.