Barchester care home chef scoops national award

A Bramley care home chef was crowned the South of England’s chef of the year at her company’s annual awards.

The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 13,000 residents living in Barchester’s 253 care homes and private hospitals across the country.

Angel Melliel Kho, who works at Cherry Blossom Manor on German Road, was named chef of the year for the South division in the Barchester Care Awards 2023 and she is through to the national cook-off final.

Ms Kho said: “I am on cloud nine right now, it feels absolutely fantastic to be named divisional winner and be through to the national cook-off final.

“I loved taking part in the divisional cook offs, it was nerve-wracking but brilliant in equal measure. I can’t believe I won, I was speechless when I found out.”

As the winner for the South division, Ms Kho is through to the national cook-off finals where the overall winner will be decided.

She will join winners from across the UK at a special awards event in October to celebrate their achievements and discover if they have won the national chef of the year award.

Cherry Blossom Manor general manager Gigi Despojo said: “This is an amazing achievement and every single person in the whole home is supporting Angel. We are so proud of her.

“Angel is such an excellent chef, she really deserves this award and we are routing for her to go all the way.”