Edgbaston care home’s Head Chef shortlisted for prestigious national award

A chef at a care home in Edgbaston is celebrating after being shortlisted for a national award.

Scott Tame, Head Chef at Care UK’s Metchley Manor, on Church Road, has been nominated for Chef of the Year in the Care Home Catering Awards 2025. 

The Care Home Catering Awards celebrate excellence in catering within the care sector, recognising teams that go above and beyond to enhance residents’ dining experiences.

Scott’s dedication to creating person-centred menus, tailored to residents' cultural backgrounds, preferences, and dietary needs, impressed the judges. They recognised his commitment to ensuring every resident, including those with specific nutritional requirements, enjoys high-quality, well-presented meals that are both delicious and nutritious.

Scott takes a holistic approach to dining, working closely with residents from the moment they arrive at Metchley Manor. By engaging in regular conversations, holding Forum and Food Council meetings, and serving meals personally, he ensures that residents have a say in their menus and feel included in the dining experience. His team also presents modified meals attractively for those living with dysphagia, allowing them to enjoy the same dishes as other residents. 

Committed to sustainability and reducing food waste, Scott and his team creatively repurpose ingredients; for example, using vegetable peelings for stocks and sauces and turning salmon skins into crispy garnishes. He also focuses on minimising processed foods and developing homemade alternatives. 

Scott was also recognised for his key role in improving hydration and nutrition for residents by introducing WaterADE as a vitamin-rich alternative for drinks, as well as diabetes-friendly desserts, and hydration-boosting jellies. His team’s innovative approach has become a go-to resource for other Care UK homes looking to enhance their own menus. 

Commenting on his shortlisting, Scott said: “I’m incredibly proud to be shortlisted for Chef of the Year award. The meals we create and the overall dining experience at Metchely Manor have a huge impact on the wellbeing of residents, and I’m thrilled to be acknowledged at a national level.”

Commenting on Scott’s success, Kim Marie Newton, General Manager at Metchley Manor, said: “We are delighted that Scott has been shortlisted for a national catering award – it’s a true testament to his skills and culinary knowledge. 

“We are so proud of Scott and his expert kitchen team at Metchley Manor, they make such a positive difference to residents and cook some of the most delicious and nutritional food. They work hard every day, and Scott certainly deserves to be recognised nationally! We’re keeping our fingers crossed for him on the night!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence, Metchley Manor offers full-time residential and dementia care in luxury surroundings, as well as short-term respite care. The home offers an array of enriching activities and embraces innovation to ensure residents live joyful, fulfilling lives.