Wimbledon chef Mervyn Knights chosen as Chef of the Year by care home firm Barchester

Mervyn Knights can obviously stand the heat, so he’s stayed in the kitchen.

And it’s paid off as the cook has been chosen as Chef of the Year by care home firm Barchester.

The chef, who works for Beaumont Care Community in Wimbledon, said: “I am very proud, and very honoured. We work hard and not for accolades.

But it really is very special to be recognised in this way.”

More than 1,900 nominations were received from colleagues in Barchester homes and hospitals across the UK.

Pete, a judge for the category, said of Melvyn that “his thoughtful meals and clever menus demonstrate his determination to provide nutritious and tasty dishes for the residents.

Understanding all elements in the experience of eating at a care home, from brightly coloured dishes, wonderful smells to seasonal ingredients, as well as giving plentiful choice to those at the home, some who require modified dishes to make them easier to eat, or those who have been poorly and require a diet rich in vitamins, calcium and healthy fats, Melvyn provides all of that and so much more.

Worries about food when moving into a care home are one of the top questions we get during visits to the homes, and Melvyn does a brilliant job putting both residents and their relatives’ minds at ease, and creating dishes for all to enjoy.”