Wilmslow care home chef shortlisted for national award

A care home in Wilmslow is celebrating after one of its team members has been shortlisted for a national award.  

Oli Jackson, Head Chef at Long Stone Manor, on Manchester Road, has earned a place in the finals for Chef of the Year at the Care UK Stars Awards 2026, following his success in the divisional heat.

The Care UK Stars Awards celebrate individual and team excellence across more than 150 care homes nationwide.

Oli’s impressive two-course menu, which earnt him a spot in the finals, included a pan-roasted duck breast served with sweet potato puree, roasted parsnip and blackberry jus. For dessert, he whipped up a spiced orange sorbet with dark chocolate shavings. To complement the meal, he served a mulled apple cider. 

Commenting on the shortlisting, Oli said: “I’m incredibly proud of being shortlisted for the Chef of the Year award. There are a lot of negative misconceptions about food in care settings, but moving into a care home doesn’t mean waving goodbye to tasty foods, so I’m extremely chuffed that this is being recognised at a national level.

“I’m now looking forward to the final – fingers crossed for a win!”

Oli joined Long Stone Manor in February 2025 after over 15 years in gastro pubs and restaurants. A passionate advocate for nutrition and wellbeing, Oli ensures every resident enjoys high-quality, beautifully presented and tailored meals that are both delicious and nourishing. 

His holistic, personalised approach to dining also delights everyone at Long Stone Manor on a daily basis. From the moment they arrive to the home, residents play an active part in menu planning, and Oli regularly speaks with them to gather feedback, ensuring they have a voice in shaping their meals and feel included in the dining experience.

He also goes above and beyond to ensure food is fun and festive for residents to enjoy. As part of its dining experience, the home regularly marks personal celebrations and hosts themed meals and events that are chosen by residents. This has included celebrating Oktoberfest, complete with German-themed food and beautifully decorated cakes created by Oli to celebrate significant milestones.

Emma Tillyer, Home Manager at Long Stone Manor, said: “The Care UK Stars Chef of the Year competition features so many talented chefs across the UK. We are incredibly proud of Oli for being shortlisted and recognised for his extraordinary culinary skills.

“Oli, along with the wider team, consistently goes above and beyond to ensure meals are both delicious and nutritious, with plenty of variety each day so residents never miss out.

“A huge congratulations to Oli for this incredible achievement – we’ll all be cheering him on in the finals!”

Long Stone Manor is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, for up to 60 people. The home has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation. The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.