12 November 2024
Last week, we were thrilled to celebrate two of our exceptional Head Chefs who have reached remarkable milestones at the prestigious Great British Care Awards. Competing against hundreds of talented nominees across the UK, our Head Chefs Robert Sorbie from Abbeydale court in Hamilton and Liz Marsh from Farnworth Home in Bolton have not only demonstrated extraordinary culinary skills but also a commitment to excellence that places them among the nation’s finest.
The Great British Care Awards are known for their high standards, with a rigorous selection process that includes extensive interviews and evaluations. From hundreds of nominations, only a select few make it to the finals, making this recognition an impressive accomplishment. We couldn’t be prouder to see Robert and Liz representing our organization and showcasing the remarkable quality and dedication we bring to our care homes.
Robert Sorbie, our talented Head Chef at Abbeydale Court in the Scottish Region, has been awarded the title of Regional Chef of the Year. This is a particularly meaningful achievement, as Robert has held the position of Head Chef at Abbeydale Court since November 2016. His journey to this role speaks to his deep dedication to culinary excellence. Robert began his career as an apprentice baker at sixteen, attending college part-time to earn his qualifications as a baker. By the age of twenty-two, he had progressed to the position of assistant manager, yet he knew his passion lay in becoming a chef. Committed to his dream, Robert enrolled in evening courses at Glasgow Food Technology College, where he gained impressive qualifications: 7061, 7062, HNC, and HND in Professional Cookery.
Armed with his qualifications, Robert secured a position as a pastry chef at Strathclyde University’s Jordanhill Campus. Over the years, he worked his way up to sous chef and eventually to Head Chef, where he spent an impressive twenty-one years.
In search of a more dynamic environment, Robert joined Abbey Healthcare, where he became Head Chef at Abbeydale Court—a 109-bed care home in Hamilton. Here, he has applied his skills and passion for fresh, homemade meals, dedicating himself to providing high-quality dining experiences for residents. Robert’s commitment extends beyond daily meals, as he also takes pride in preparing food for family occasions, birthday celebrations, and private dining experiences for residents and their loved ones. His passion for culinary excellence and his dedication to bringing joy to residents have earned him the well-deserved title of Regional Chef of the Year. Robert will now represent our team at the UK Finals in March, and we are confident he will continue to impress as he competes for the national title.
Robert was supported by our Group Catering Manager Joanne Ankers and Abbey Dale Care Home manager Grace Sloan who cheered for him during the event.
Liz Marsh, our talented Head Chef at Farnworth Care Home in Bolton, has earned the well-deserved honour of reaching the finalist stage for the England region at the Great British Care Awards. Liz’s dedication to her craft, honed over decades of experience in the culinary field, shines through in her thoughtful approach to meal planning and her commitment to creating nutritious, enjoyable dining experiences for residents.
Since joining Farnworth Care Home in 2019, Liz has overseen all aspects of the kitchen, from stock control and menu planning to supervising staff and maintaining high hygiene standards. Her responsibilities extend beyond the kitchen; Liz liaises with care home management, handles staff supervisions and appraisals, and ensures a smooth, well-organized kitchen environment.
Liz’s extensive career began in the late 1980s, and she has held various chef roles across respected institutions. She brings to her role a wealth of experience, including her tenure as a Sous Chef at Training 2000 in Blackburn, and previous positions where she developed her skills in menu planning, budgeting, and kitchen management. Her qualifications are extensive, with NVQs in professional cookery, a diploma in cake decorating, and a level 3 certification in food safety and hygiene. Her diverse experience allows her to bring creativity and warmth to every meal she prepares.
Reaching the finals is a huge accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of Liz’s hard work, talent, and dedication to our residents.
Robert was supported by our Group Catering Manager Joanne Ankers, regional director Tina Johnstone and Farnworth Care Home manager Jayms Bell who cheered for her during the event.
With the UK Finals taking place in March, we eagerly anticipate the next stage of the competition. Robert’s upcoming journey to represent our team at the national level is a testament to the skill and passion that both he and Liz bring to their roles. Once again, congratulations to Robert Sorbie and Liz Marsh—your hard work and dedication inspire us all. We wish Robert the best of luck at the UK Finals and look forward to celebrating more successes with both of these outstanding chefs.
