Frome care chef to be celebrated in star-studded national awards ceremony

Published On: December 3rd, 2020

2020 Awards for Excellence in Vegetarian Care Catering

Thursday 3 December, 2pm via Facebook and YouTube.

Ben Kerslake, Head Chef at Frome Nursing Home, Frome, Somerset, has been announced as a finalist in Vegetarian for Life‘s 2020 Awards for Excellence in Vegetarian and Vegan Care Catering.

Now in their fifth year, the awards are a celebration of those going the extra mile for their vegan and vegetarian residents.

With a 167% increase in the number of vegans in residential care in recent years, work to improve catering standards for older vegans and vegetarians is now more important than ever.

Ben, who was nominated in the category of ‘Veggie Care Chef of the Year’ said: ”Winning the Veggie Care Chef of the Year would bring me so much pride – I’d be ecstatic! It would be overwhelming for recognition of all the hard work and determination of everyone at the home to ensure everyone has a choice and equal rights have been recognised.

“I continue to teach the importance of vegetarians and vegans having as much choice as everyone else.”

“Thirteen years ago, we didn’t offer vegetarian or vegan options. I fought hard for that, everybody has a right to have a choice and have what they desire – that’s our aim!

“Everyone should be treated equally and to me whatever somebody wants, they get! Everyone is unique and has different likes/dislikes and it’s those two things that are most important to us at Frome. We must make sure this is our top priority alongside making everyone feel happy and valued!”

Amanda Woodvine, CEO of Vegetarian for Life said: “The awards have become a much-anticipated event, with the ceremony taking place in the Houses of Parliament in recent years. COVID-19 restrictions have made a physical event impossible, so this year’s ceremony will be held virtually instead. We’re delighted that long-time VfL supporter, Dave Spikey – perhaps best known for his stand-up comedy, Phoenix Nights, and Bullseye – will present the awards, along with some fantastic celebrity friends. Esteemed chef and writer, Rose Elliot MBE, will announce Ben’s award category.”

All winners will be announced in a virtual awards ceremony commencing at 2pm on Thursday 3 December 2020. Hosted by English comedian, actor, writer and film producer Dave Spikey, this year’s star-studded awards ceremony will stream live via Facebook and YouTube.

Veggie Care Chef of the Year – shortlist to be announced by Rose Elliot MBE.

Vegetarian for Life Patron, Rose Elliot MBE, has written over 70 vegetarian and vegan cookery books as well as books about mindfulness, Buddhism and astrology. Rose turned vegan over 5 years ago after being vegetarian since she was a little girl – and has never eaten meat.

Most Innovative Veggie Dish – shortlist to be announced by Peter Egan.

Peter has recently been filming After Life with Ricky Gervais. You may know Peter from a list of TV and film too long to mention – but credits include Downton Abbey, Unforgotten, and the legendary Ever Decreasing Circles.

Veggie Wholesaler of The Year – shortlist to be announced by Gary Webster.

Gary has starred in TV shows such as EastEnders and Minder. Gary has just launched a new blog garywebsterenoughsaid.com, and after being vegetarian for 20 years, he is now vegan after taking part in Veganuary earlier this year.

The Beulah Charity Trust Special Recognition Award – shortlist to be announced by Wendy Turner Webster.

TV presenter and author, Wendy, is currently presenting for Together TV and has been vegan for 28 years.

The finalists for this year’s awards are:

Veggie Care Chef of the Year

Grant Burton, Head Chef of The Hawthorns in Braintree
Ben Kerslake, Head Chef of Frome Nursing Home
Juan Lopez of Birchwood Grange in Harrow

Most Innovative Veggie Dish

Marcin Lipingoa, Chef at Sunrise Senior Living, Guildford – Vegan Sweet and Savoury Pierogi
Dorin Matei, Head Chef at Avery Scholarsmews Care Home in Stratford Upon Avon – Vegan Cauliflower Roulade
Gary McGurk, Primose Bank Care Home in Poulton le Fylde – Pan Seared Watermelon

Veggie Wholesaler of the Year