‘Aye Aye’ Captain!

The team at Bridge House showcase their entry for the Making a Difference Challenge to the judging panel

Bridge House Care Home showcased their monthly ‘Dining at the Captain’s Table’ event on 6^th October, with the Deputy Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor Jan Morter, and Dominique Cadiou from the home’s Charity of the Year, Sobell House, attending as VIP guests.

This was in response to a challenge launched by celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott to come up with new, creative and innovative dining experiences for residents that can be sustained in the years ahead for their residents to enjoy.

If Bridge House’s is shortlisted, Ainsley will visit the home on 20^th October to present them with a prize – a top of the range Weber gas barbeque for everyone at the home to enjoy next summer.

June Maharaj, manager of Bridge House said: “It began with the idea of restaurant-style dining experiences and evolved to offering fine food from around the world – all aimed at enhancing meal time experiences as well as improving nutritional intake and variety of menu for our residents. So the Captain’s Table concept seemed to fit the bill very well.”

All of the home’s staff – including kitchen staff, nurses, carers and the management team – were involved in developing the concept as well as cooking and serving the food at the events.

“We wanted everyone in the home to contribute to the atmosphere and energy in the dining experience and resident’s family and friends are encouraged to attend the events to add to the sociable atmosphere,” added June.

In developing the concept residents were taken out to different local restaurants to sample new and different foods and dining experiences. They were then invited to share their ideas on what makes a great dining experience in a restaurant.

Judge Nicola Coveney, Managing Director at Carebase said: “The home were asked to come up with something that involved residents, their families and the home team that would have a positive impact on the resident’s experience of food and dining. We think they have done a fantastic job”.