Anchor Chef Of The Year Announced
A Morecambe chef has won Anchor’s annual Chef of the Year competition, now in its 10th year, following one final showdown at The Artisans Kitchen & Cookery School.
James Conroy, Chef Manager at Anchor’s Eric Morecambe House care home, went up against fellow chefs from across the care home portfolio of Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit care and housing provider.
Entrants in Anchor’s prestigious Chef of the Year competition submitted a three-course recipe – starter, main course, and dessert. The judges looked at the nutritional value of the meals, as well as their sustainability, complexity, taste and presentation, and how residents had been involved in choosing the menu. The menus were also judged against how they aligned with Anchor’s Year of Culture.
The finalists then came together to produce their recipes in a cook off at The Artisans Kitchen & Cookery School. In the end though, there could only be one winner.
For his menu, James served a starter of black pudding scotch egg, a main of elevated fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding with crème anglaise for dessert.
Anchor’s Director of Care Quality, Danielle Abernethy, said: “Many congratulations to James on this fantastic achievement, which truly demonstrated his remarkable skill, commitment and determination. The standard of this year’s competition was exceptional, and every finalist displayed passion, creativity and professionalism, making the judges’ decision incredibly difficult.
“Chef of the Year is always a highlight in the Anchor calendar, offering a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the talent, commitment and care our chefs bring to creating enjoyable dining experiences for residents every day. We are extremely proud of our chefs and the positive impact they have on residents’ daily lives through their hard work, creativity and focus on quality. I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to our suppliers, Efoods and Bidfood, whose continued support helps make the competition possible.”
James was delighted to win, saying: “I’m absolutely thrilled to win. I first entered the competition three years ago, and after coming back each year because I enjoy it so much, it feels incredible to finally be crowned Chef of the Year 2026. I suppose the fourth time really was the charm!”
Alongside the Chef of the Year competition, Anchor held its annual Catering Challenge at The Artisans Kitchen & Cookery School, with Anchor Catering Assistants and Apprentices going head-to-head, demonstrating Anchor’s commitment to inspire and support colleagues to develop their career providing a clear pathway to successfully becoming our chefs of the future.
Those involved worked with a Development Chef to produce a two-course meal and a snack with ingredients sourced at the location, which they then had 60 minutes to cook and serve. The winner was Shannon Sprules-Hayden representing Ferendune Court care home in Faringdon, Oxfordshire.
