Ashworth Grange Residents Rebook for Second Restaurant Experience
Residents at Ashworth Grange care home in Dewsbury enjoyed a taste of Italy at the home’s second pop-up restaurant. The home trialled the concept last month with a Spanish pop-up called ‘El Toro’, and it was such a hit that staff suggested another event, this time with residents picking the Italian theme.
Ideal Carehomes, which operates Ashworth Grange, has recently employed Regional Activities Executives in a bid to revolutionise the social life of residents within their care homes. They came up with the idea for pop-up restaurants after realising how much residents missed a restaurant dining experience, once their needs had reached a point where getting out of the home is difficult. The pop-up restaurant is therefore their opportunity to once again have a full restaurant experience and gives them a sense of occasion. Residents are required to book a table and they can then enjoy an a la carte menu and receive full table service, even inviting relatives to join them.
Yvonne Mulholland, Regional Activities Executive for Ideal Carehomes, said “It is so exciting that Ashworth Grange have hosted their second pop-up restaurant. Many residents will have celebrated special occasions by dining out throughout their life time, and this concept brings back those memories for them, but in the safety of their home environment. I love the fact that the pop-ups are promoting choice for our residents – even the simple task of booking their table gives them back a real sense of independence.”
The kitchen staff at the home came up with a tasty Italian menu which consisted of deep fried mozzarella or bruschetta to start, pizza or lasagne for main and tiramisu or ice cream for dessert. There was also an Opera singer on hand to enhance the atmosphere of the evening, giving the restaurant a relaxed and happy ambience. Joy Duckett, who is a resident at Ashworth Grange and attended the pop-up restaurant, said “The restaurant was fabulous, I had a fantastic time. I really enjoyed the food and the music and I can’t wait for the next one!”.
Ashworth Grange provides residential and dementia care for 64 local older people. Through a varied programme of activities, highly nutritious food and inspirational spaces, the home provides residents with person-centred care, creating aspirational lifestyle choices. After the success of ‘El Toro’ and the subsequent ‘Annie’s Italian’, everyone is looking forward to another pop-up restaurant once the residents have decided which theme to go for next!
