Six chefs, three finalists and one winner still to come

After months of anticipation, six talented chefs, one 90-minute cook-off and a judging panel packed with experience, the 2026 Meals Means More competition has come to a close.

Our six finalists were Robert Scott from Hilton Court, Paul O'Brien from St Modans, Eilidh Mason from Antonine House, Dawn Thom from Crimond House, Emma-Jane from Kynnaird House and Kash from Greenan Manor.

Each chef brought something different to the kitchen, from years of professional experience and previous competition success to career progression through Meallmore kitchens and their own individual influences and approach to food. For us, that variety is exactly what makes Meals Means More so special.

The competition is not simply about who can cook the most impressive dish. It is about celebrating the skill behind care catering and recognising the colleagues who bring together flavour, nutrition, presentation, individual preferences and resident experience every single day.

A brilliant day for all six finalists

From the moment the chefs arrived there was plenty of energy, concentration and, naturally, a little healthy competition. The final gave all six the chance to step away from their usual kitchens, cook alongside colleagues from across Meallmore and showcase the talent that exists within our homes.

Robert, Paul, Eilidh, Dawn, Emma-Jane and Kash each demonstrated exactly why they had earned their place in the final, showing passion, professionalism and real commitment throughout the day. Whatever the final result, reaching this stage is an achievement in itself.

Meals Means More has become an important part of our wider approach to learning, development and hospitality, giving chefs an opportunity to challenge themselves, share ideas and bring new confidence and inspiration back into their own homes.

And then there were three

Following an incredibly difficult judging process, the final three for Meals Means More 2026 are:

• Paul O'Brien, St Modans Care Home
• Robert Scott, Hilton Court
• Eilidh Mason, Antonine House

The overall Meals Means More Champion 2026 will be revealed at the Meallmore Colleague Awards on 28 October. Until then, the result remains firmly under wraps.

A judging panel with serious credentials

This year's panel brought together experience from luxury hospitality, professional kitchens, social care and, importantly, the resident perspective.

Scott Scorer, Head Chef at Ballathie House Hotel, brought experience from some of Scotland's most respected hospitality settings, along with a strong focus on seasonality, Scottish produce, flavour and consistency. Ryan Murphy, Executive Chef at Trump Turnberry, brought more than 20 years of experience across luxury hotels, major hospitality operations and award-winning kitchens.

Eddie Easdon from Campbells Prime Meat brought more than four decades of hospitality experience, including 25 years spent working in five-star kitchens and a passion for supporting the development of chefs. Representing Meallmore was Carol-Anne Foote, Operations Director, whose career spans clinical care, operational management and strategic leadership, keeping the resident experience firmly part of the judging conversation.

And completing the panel was perhaps the most important judge of all: Jeanette from Mearns House, our resident judge. Technical skill matters. Presentation matters. Nutrition matters. Creativity matters. But the resident voice matters just as much.

More than a competition

Meals Means More sits alongside our wider investment in culinary learning and development, including the Academy of Care Kitchen Excellence and our Kitchen Centre of Excellence. The aim is simple: give our chefs opportunities to grow, share knowledge, develop confidence and keep raising the standard of food and hospitality across our homes.

Different backgrounds, different careers, different styles, but the same commitment to creating dining experiences residents can genuinely enjoy. You can read how each finalist got here in six routes into a Meallmore kitchen.

The final story is still to come

Paul, Robert and Eilidh will now wait until 28 October to find out who takes the title. We will also be premiering the full Meals Means More final in the coming weeks, so you can see the chefs in action and meet the judges for yourself.

Six chefs entered the final. Three remain. One winner is still to be revealed.