Palmersdene care home Chef shortlisted for Anchor Chef of the Year

Ian Michelmore, Chef at Anchor’s Palmersdene care home in Jarrow has made it to the final of Anchor’s Chef of the Year 2018 competition.

Although Ian has only worked in the care sector for a year, he has already proved a big hit with residents at the home, hence his nomination for Anchor’s Chef of the Year competition.

“I’ve worked my entire career in the hospitality business – hotels, restaurants, golf clubs – you name it I’ve been there. But I have to say I am really enjoying my new career here in Palmersdene. There are a great bunch of residents here – we have 39 at the moment and I have had a lovely welcome. 

“My speciality is my fish and chips on a Friday but I will let you into a secret – I used to run a fish and chip shop so I like to think I have perfected it to a fine art now!”

When asked how he has personalised the menu at Palmersdene since moving to Jarrow Ian said: “I noticed everything used to be served with mash, so I have tried to vary that with different types of potato dishes mixed with cheese and so far that seems to have been popular. 

“I’ve also introduced a regular BBQ and offer more than just the obvious sausages and burgers, I do things like marinated chicken skewers which goes down really well.” 

Ian, a very proud Welshman from the town of Porthmadog, still speaks the language despite living in the North East for 15 years. Away from the kitchen he likes to keep fit by swimming every day and a spot of hill walking at weekends.

Ian also has another unusual side line: “I have converted my garden shed into a mini kitchen and spend quite a lot of my spare time making birthday and wedding cakes for the locals.  And of course, if I have a new recipe, I always ask the opinion of the Palmersdene residents – they will be the first to tell you if it’s nice or not but so far, everything has got the green light.” 

Anchor’s Chef of the Year 2018 competition will feature a two course cook-off, held at University of Birmingham on Tues 4 September, and will be judged by Michelin star chef Tom Shepherd.