PORTHAVEN Care Homes teamed up with acclaimed baker and chef Richard Bertinet – BBC Food Champion of the Year and author of award-winning cookbooks – for a one-day culinary masterclass aimed at enhancing the skills of its chefs and raising the standard of nutrition and dining across its homes.
Eleven of the operator’s chefs took part in a hands-on breadmaking workshop at The Bertinet Kitchen in Bath.
Led by Richard, the chefs learned how to make traditional and nutritionally balanced bread, pastries and finishing techniques, gaining practical recipes to bring back into their own kitchens and serve across the care homes.
John Huggett, head of hospitality at Porthaven Care Homes, said: “Nutrition in care is one of the sector’s most pressing challenges, and we believe chefs are central to solving it.
“We are investing in their skills so our residents benefit from food that is freshly made, nutritionally balanced and enjoyable every day.
“Learning directly from Richard has been hugely invaluable. His recipes and expertise will cascade through our homes, and we are so grateful for his collaboration in helping us set a higher standard for food and wellbeing in care.”
The legacy of the training will extend beyond the kitchen. Porthaven chefs will be embedding the new bread recipes into weekly menus, offering residents greater variety and freshly made food.
At the same time, residents will be invited to take part in baking activities, creating opportunities for engagement, enjoyment and wellbeing while ensuring meals remain nutritionally balanced and a meaningful part of daily life.
The collaboration builds on Porthaven’s growing relationship with Richard, who earlier this year led a cookery demonstration at Cotswold Gate Care Home in Burford.
Richard Bertinet is pictured teaching Porthaven chefs at the Bertinet Kitchen.