31st July 2026
Sanctuary Supported Living
Finalists gather with Sanctuary Supported Living's Hospitality team after showcasing their culinary skills in a two-course challenge.
Catering colleagues from across Sanctuary Supported Living recently went head-to-head in a MasterChef style cooking competition, showcasing the role they play in shaping residents’ daily experiences through food.
Delivered in partnership with supplier, Brakes, the event took place at the food wholesaler’s state-of-the-art Innovation Kitchen in Reading, where six chefs from across a mix of supported living and retirement community services came together to demonstrate the creativity and care behind the meals they prepare each day.
Each chef was tasked with creating a two-course dish within a 90-minute cooking challenge, before presenting it to a judging panel comprising Sarah Clarke Kuehn, Chief Operating Officer for Commercial at Sanctuary, and Dave Shaw, Director of Sanctuary Supported Living.
Each dish was assessed on taste, presentation, budget conscious cooking and culinary technique, reflecting the real‑world balance catering colleagues achieve in delivering nutritious, enjoyable meals that meet a wide range of needs and preferences.
The overall winner will receive a £1,000 prize, with the result due to be announced in November.
Head of Hospitality, Will Childe, said: “What we saw during the competition reflects exactly what happens in our kitchens every day - thoughtful, well-prepared food that makes a real difference to people’s routine and sense of wellbeing. The quality on display is a testament to the standards our teams set across Sanctuary Supported Living, and how that translates into meaningful daily experiences for residents.”
"I was genuinely inspired by the way colleagues approached the competition."
Director of Sanctuary Supported Living, Dave Shaw, added: “I was genuinely inspired by the way colleagues approached the competition. They brought an incredible mix of nerves, passion and focus, alongside some brilliant skills, to create their own fantastic menus. They should all feel immensely proud of what they achieved.”
Sanctuary Supported Living’s catering teams are helping to challenge perceptions of food in care and support settings. With research by apetito and Care England showing that mealtimes are considered the most important part of the day by 80% of care providers*, the role catering colleagues play in shaping daily life is significant. By delivering high quality, home cooked meals using fresh ingredients, they go above and beyond to create dining experiences that people genuinely look forward to.
The competition forms part of Sanctuary Supported Living’s wider commitment to investing in colleagues, encouraging professional development and sharing best practice across services.
Following an inspiring day in the kitchen, anticipation is now building ahead of the results announcement.
