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From the frontline - Rob Devonshire
Rob Devonshire, chef manager at Anchor, talks pot noodles and fishing
What does your job involve?
My job is to provide high quality, nutritious food for up to 64 residents with varying dietary needs at Clayburn Court, an Anchor care home in Peterborough.
Working for a forward-thinking company like Anchor, unlike the hotel or leisure sectors, I have the time to research and develop various projects and the chance to feel like I’m really making a difference to people’s lives.
We always cook from fresh on the day and baking is a big part of what I do. We get to know the residents’ favourite foods and often introduce them while planning our seasonal menus.
Our residents have tasting sessions and discuss what they like best. These sessions are fun and informative and allow our residents to feel like they’ve had some good input. As well as the practical side of cooking, I help to keep our team fully trained, up to date and motivated. And I’m not just saying it, but we have a great team here at Clayburn Court.
How did you get into housing and care?
I left the hotel industry after 28 years at the sharp end of things. Clayburn Court had just finished being built and a chef manager position was advertised, so I went for it and found a great industry that offers this terrific feel-good factor. I have thrived on putting my team ethic into practice, and setting up from scratch was a great adventure.
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What is a good day like for you?
Receiving the freshest produce in the morning and serving breakfast, then prepping for lunch and baking for the day. I will be between the kitchen and meetings, but if help is needed on the floor I’ll jump in to give a hand. I’ll then serve lunch and chat to the residents and check they’re happy. After that I’ll hand over to one of my colleagues and they will begin to prep tea as we clean down from the lunch service.
If it’s a really good day I’ll get to go fishing, and if it’s a really, really good day I’ll go fishing followed by a small libation at the local. We are very lucky here at Anchor in that we put a lot of emphasis on work/life balance – I just wish I had moved here years ago.
What about a bad day?
Life’s too short for bad days! I think a bad day would be not going fishing!
If you could be prime minister for a day, what would you do?
I would eat at all the finest Michelin starred restaurants, courtesy of the taxpayer!
What’s the most private thing you’d be willing to admit to your colleagues?
Don’t tell anyone, but I actually like Pot Noodle!
