Hamilton care home chef triumphs in national awards
A Hamilton chef has been named the best in Britain for the special menus he creates for residents at a local care home.
Robert Sorbie tasted success at the national final of the prestigious Great British care awards, where he was served up with the title of national chef of the year in recognition of his work at Abbeydale Court on Strathaven Road.
He impressed judges with his themed celebration menus and freshly-prepared meals, with his delighted colleagues saying: 'This award reflects the love and care he pours into every plate he serves.'
Robert, who has been head chef at Abbeydale Court for the past eight years, took the top award after qualifying for the UK final by winning the Scotland and North-East regional heat in November – and then went on to take the national crown at the overall finals in Birmingham, hosted by Vernon Kay.
He said: 'I was judged on various skills which included producing and presenting meals prepared for events throughout the year such as Burns night, Valentine's day, Easter, St Patrick's day, Halloween, St Andrew's day, Christmas and new year – themed nights give me great pleasure and satisfaction, and all meals are prepared and cooked with fresh produce.
'I was interviewed by a panel of professional judges and was fortunate be selected as regional winner and I was very excited to reach the national stage of the competition. Winning is a great achievement and filled me with a sense of pride and joy to bring the award back to Hamilton [and] the residents of Abbeydale Court.'
Robert first began his culinary career aged 16 as an apprentice baker, attending college part-time to earn his qualifications and within six years having progressed to become an assistant manager.
He then enrolled in evening courses at Glasgow College of food technology, gaining professional cookery qualifications including an HNC and HND on his way to becoming a chef, going on to become a pastry chef at Strathclyde University's former Jordanhill campus.
Robert worked his way up to sous chef and eventually to head chef, spending an impressive 21 years in the role before moving into his current role at the Hamilton care home where he is a popular member of staff and has been celebrated by colleagues, residents and families.
A spokesperson for Abbeydale Court said: 'Robert's win is a remarkable achievement for the entire Hamilton community. This prestigious national accolade recognises exceptional talent and dedication within the care sector [and he] competed against some of the best chefs in care settings across the UK, emerging as the national winner.
'Robert is renowned for his passion for food and commitment to improving the lives of elderly residents through creative, nutritious, and person-centred meals.
'His meals are about more than nourishment – they're about comfort, memory and community, and his approach goes far beyond the kitchen; he sees food as a tool to enhance wellbeing, bring joy, and uphold the dignity of those in care.'
Abbeydale's spokesperson added: 'His win shines a spotlight on the important role catering plays in social care and serves as an inspiration for chefs and care professionals nationwide.
'The team at Abbeydale Court, along with residents and families, are immensely proud of Robert's achievement – an inspiring example of excellence in care right at the heart of Hamilton.
Head chef Robert has worked at the 109-bed home since November 2016 and delights residents with not only a fresh, homemade daily menu, but also 'takes pride in preparing food for family occasions, birthday celebrations, and private dining experiences for residents and their loved ones'.
Judges described him as 'an asset to the care sector' as he impressed with his wide and varied menus, worthwhile mealtimes, healthy food choices, catering for special dietary requirements, hygiene and sustainability, as well as using local produce and linking in with residents' activities.
They praised his 'passion for culinary excellence and his dedication to bringing joy to residents' – and his award citation ahead of the final read: 'He is always looking ahead to the next internal event to ensure it's a memorable experience for both residents and their families, and adapts day-to-day menus freely to ensure everyone's nutritional needs are met.'
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