Grey skies are beginning to give way to a warming Spring sun with daffodils bursting into bloom and trees starting to show signs of life. Since the new year I have frequented hospitality establishments at least once a week if not twice and to that I add several breakfasts. Living in Norfolk my patronage is in the county and Suffolk. The quality of food and service is brilliant, there’s a real desire to please and win business.
What surprises me is my wife and I invariably must book to be guaranteed a table and whether breakfast, lunch or dinner the establishments are well attended, if not full. Naturally, I can’t help myself but speak with the owner or manager to enquire what they are anticipating come the 1st April. Yes, they are considering reducing staff but really want to wait and see whether the public think twice about eating out. So, no real decisions made so far.
Easter will soon be upon us and the Foodcare team are ready with great ideas to help. Our business is dependent on yours, so let’s hope April brings encouraging signs of customers preferring a good meal out in preference to a new shirt. I know what I prefer!
From left to right - Barry Wells, Baroness Barker (NACC Patron), Roger Kellow (NACC Honorary Member), Neel Radia (NACC National Chair)
Josh Hawker (Able Care Homes and NACC Committee), Sarah Stone
CARE CHEF OF THE YEAR COMPETITION LAUNCH
Article by Sarah Stone (South East Regional Secretary NACC)
To celebrate 25 years of the NACC Care Chef of the Year, senior Foodcare managers Sarah Stone, Sarah Palmer and Barry Wells were invited by Baroness Barker, NACC Patron, to the launch of the 2025 competition held in the House of Lords.
As proud sponsors of the national competition, the event was joined by previous winners and guests from the residential care home sector, enjoying a wonderful afternoon tea. In her opening speech, Baroness Barker stated that 25 years ago care home food was prepared by cooks, today their skills are recognised as professional chefs.
Foodcare is committed to support the incredible talent and dedication of care chefs across the UK.
We are very excited to be attending each regional heat taking place in June and July where entrants must create and substantiate a delicious and nutritionally balanced two-course menu, main and dessert, suitable for service users in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses is no more than £4.50 per head based on three portions, reflecting the restricted budgets care chefs work with.
May we wish all entrants the very best of luck.
For more information go to https://www.nacccarechefoftheyear.co.uk/ 2025/en/page/home
From left to rightSarah Palmer, Barry Wells, Baroness Barker, Sarah Stone
From left to rightDonna Steeden (Support Services Manager at Quantum Care and long-standing NACC member), Sarah Stone, Barry Wells
DISCOVER THE HOSTE ARMS: A GATEWAY TO NORTH NORFOLK’S BEAUTY
Article
by Sarah Palmer and Claire Racher
Nestled in the heart of Burnham Market, The Hoste Arms offers the perfect blend of comfort, hospitality, and history. This charming pub, restaurant, hotel, and spa is the ideal base for exploring the stunning North Norfolk coastline and countryside.
A valued Foodcare customer for four years, The Hoste Arms relies on our Seasons collection, particularly for breakfast service. General Manager Ewen, who has worked with us for almost a decade, appreciates the speed, service, and personal connections we’ve built over time. He values the consistency and reliability that Foodcare brings to their operations, praising the seamless communication, quick response times, and the genuine partnership that has developed. This strong relationship ensures The Hoste Arms is always well-equipped to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
Easter and Mother’s Day mark the beginning of a busier season, with weddings and private dining events contributing to a lively atmosphere. For more intimate gatherings, guests can enjoy private dining for 10+ or even hire the 20-seat private cinema - perfect for unique celebrations.
The Hoste Arms isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience shaped by a passion for its surroundings and a commitment to exceptional hospitality.
Visit their website https://www.thehostearms.com/
ILLUMINATING IDEAS
Article by Claire Racher
Discover lighting collections that blend style and function, perfect for creating the ideal atmosphere in any setting.
With features like touch control, adjustable brightness, and colour temperature settings, these lamps offer both convenience and versatility to suit any mood or environment.
For more information or to request a brochure, please contact our sales office on 01553 770 148 or email sales@foodcaresystems.com
Timeless
Geo, Deca & Dome
Crystal
Tempo
BIGGEST LAUNCHES YET!
Article by Claire Racher
With over 300 new products, GenWare’s Spring launch brings fresh collections designed to meet the evolving needs of the hospitality and catering sectors.
INCISE COLLECTION
A new vitrified porcelain range featuring Lucine, Lustre, Lavara, and Solara, all with embossed designs for added texture and sophistication.
SABROSA
A twice-fired vitrified terracotta collection of vibrant tapas plates, dishes, and bowls.
CINDER BLACK FLUTED
A bold addition to the Terra Vitrified Porcelain collection, redefining modern elegance.
KAVA STONEWARE
Now available in textured black and smooth dark grey, featuring a striking contrast of glazed and unglazed finishes.
COLOURED BEVERAGE COLLECTION
Two new hues, Coral and Matt Teal, add warmth and style.
This exciting range also includes fresh updates across Table Presentation, Table Service, Drinkware, Barware, Buffet & Display, and Trays - all crafted to inspire and enhance dining experiences.
Article continues >
Sabrosa
Coloured Beverage - Matt Teal
Kava Stoneware - Dark Grey
Terra Porcelain - Cinder Black
Incise Collection
Coloured Beverage - Coral
Inked Collection - Lyra
Comas Cutlery
Emerge
BIGGEST LAUNCHES YET!
In addition, here are the key highlights from Churchill’s launch of over 200 new products:
INKED COLLECTION
All digital print products now under the Inked brand, offering competitive pricing with Churchill’s renowned vitrified strength.
COMAS CUTLERY
A partnership with Spanish leader Comas brings innovative cutlery designs to enhance the dining experience.
EMERGE MELAMINE
New buffet additions in essential shapes and sizes.
ENVISAGE COLLECTION
A once-fired range that reduces energy consumption while maintaining durability.
Coming soon to our brand-new website. In the meantime, for more information and sample requests, contact our sales team on 01553 770 148 or email sales@foodcaresystems.com
