Chef Les Duffield

Veteran chef Les Duffield has rustled up a prize for the Coldstream care home where he works, thanks to traditional Scottish recipes he has perfected over 50 years in catering.

The 72-year-old Coldstream grandfather has just learned that his home, Lennel House Care Centre, has won third place in a UK-wide competition for the best Burns Night menu.

Mr Duffield has been in catering since the age of 16, when he joined the merchant navy, feeding hungry sailors as they voyaged all over the world.

After 23 years in the navy, he spent another 27 years catering in the oil and gas industry.

“I tried retiring – but after 18 months I couldn’t stand it and applied for the job as chef at Lennel House, where I am very happy,” said Mr Duffield.

“Our Burns Night was a great success and our 30 residents loved the menu, which was all home-cooked from scratch with my own recipes, which I have worked up over the years.

“On the night, I followed the piper in holding the haggis high – it was all very traditional.”

The menu – under the witty heading “Thistle Be Good” – included a starter of cock-a-leekie soup, followed by “haggis wi’ bashit neeps an’ champit tatties and the dessert of “typsy laird and a wee dram”.

E Foods – a major online supplier to care homes, hotels and catering firms across the UK – awarded Lennel House the £50 third-place prize, which will go towards a special afternoon tea for the residents.

Lennel House, which cares for people with nursing and dementia needs, dates back to the early 19th century and is set in 11 acres of gardens in Lennel Road. The home is part of the St Philips Care group.

Another St Philip’s Care home – Chilton Care Centre in County Durham – came second in the same competition.

Pat Cooper, St Philips Care’s group’s food and budgeting manager, said: “Seven of our homes took part in the competition and we are rightly proud that two of them have won prizes.”Les Duffield at work in the kitchen

Latest News

Lovely Feedback From Some of Our Lovely Families!

Lovely Feedback From Some of Our Lovely Families!

We all know that deciding to place a loved one into a care home, can be a challenging and distressing time for a family. This is why we, at St Philips Care, take every step to ensure that we offer a friendly, homely and supportive environment for all of our residents...

read more
Mental Illness in the Elderly Symptoms, and Signs

Mental Illness in the Elderly Symptoms, and Signs

Mental illness is not an inevitable part of ageing. If you are concerned about changes in the mental health of an elderly loved one, please seek professional advice. It can be hard to spot the signs of mental illness in the elderly, but the sooner we can support our...

read more
How to Get an Elderly Person Into a Care Home

How to Get an Elderly Person Into a Care Home

You cannot make someone move into a care home or nursing home, it must be their decision. The only exception to this is if they do not have the mental capacity to make their own decisions. If you are in this position, please seek advice. If your elderly relative is of...

read more