Banbury care home chef shortlisted for national award

A chef at a care home in Banbury has been nominated for a prestigious prize.

Katarzyna Haber-Bialkowska, Head Chef at Highmarket House on North Bar Place, has earned a place in the finals for Chef of the Year at the Care UK Stars Awards 2026, following her success in the divisional heat.

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

To reach the final, Katarzyna prepared a chicken ballotine and pistachio cheesecake cups, impressing judges with her technical skills, balanced flavours, and pristine presentation.

In the final, Katarzyna will have two hours to prepare and present a main course, dessert and drink, which must be suitable for individuals requiring texture-modified foods – all while remaining tasty and eye-catching. 

Reflecting on her shortlisting, Katarzyna 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!”

The final cook off will take place on Thursday 12^th February.

Francesca Cowley, Home Manager at Highmarket House, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Katarzyna and delighted her hard work has been recognised. Her talent in the kitchen is exceptional and she has a real gift for making residents feel special through the food she creates. 

“Katarzyna’s contribution to helping residents at Highmarket House enjoy a balanced and appetising diet stretches far and wide. From preparing delicious meals to baking tempting treats, just because food is adapted to suit modified diets, does not mean it can’t be show-stopping and full-of-flavour.”

Highmarket House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.