Gong served up to care home's chef

A Hamilton chef has been named the best in Britain for the special menus he creates for residents at a local care home.

- JUDITH TONNER

Robert Sorbie tasted success at the national final of the prestigious Great British care awards, where he was served up with the title of national chef of the year in recognition of his work at Abbeydale Court on Strathaven Road.

He impressed judges with his themed celebration menus and freshly-prepared meals, with his delighted colleagues saying: “This award reflects the love and care he pours into every plate he serves.”

Robert, who has been head chef at Abbeydale Court for the past eight years, took the top award after qualifying for the UK final by winning the Scotland and North-East regional heat in November -and then went on to take the national crown at the overall finals in Birmingham, hosted by Vernon Kay.

He said: “I was judged on various skills which included producing and presenting meals prepared for events throughout the year such as Burns Night, Valentine's Day, Easter, St Patrick's Day, Halloween, St Andrew’s Day, Christmas and new year - themed nights give me great pleasure and satisfaction, and all meals are prepared and cooked with fresh produce.