Nourishing body and soul: Pilgrims Hospices catering team
At Pilgrims Hospices, our catering team is more than just a group of staff – we’re a family.
Every day, we work tirelessly to provide delicious, nutritious meals to patients, families, staff, volunteers, and visitors. Our goal is to create comforting, high-quality food that brings warmth and a sense of normality to everyone who walks through our doors.
Our teams at Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet work closely with trusted suppliers to ensure fresh, wholesome meals for all tastes and dietary needs while carefully managing budgets. As one team member puts it, “There’s never a dull moment! We’re always looking for innovative recipes to offer something special.”
We also provide catering services for the Ann Robertson Centre in Canterbury, which offers meeting and training spaces. Our food ensures visitors are well-fed while they work in a welcoming environment.
A passion for food and care
Head of Catering Ian Ashton highlights the significance of our work:
“My team feeds staff and volunteers alongside our patients. We offer subsidised lunchtime meals and a variety of items available for purchase throughout the day. Patient meals are carefully tailored, and my team regularly visits the wards to ensure we’re meeting each patient’s needs.”
Ian adds, “We’re immensely grateful to local producers and supermarkets for their support with free goods when available. This helps us stretch our budget and create a wider variety of meals. Thanks to our freezer capacity, nothing goes to waste.”
Nutrition plays a crucial role in holistic care, especially for those in the final stages of life. Our teams go the extra mile to meet each patient’s wishes.
At Thanet, a patient once requested lobster — and we made it happen. Head Chef Georgie at Thanet explains, “Providing comforting, tasty food is just as important as caring for our patients on the ward.”
Bobby, Head Chef at Ashford, agrees: “It’s about more than food; it’s about moments of connection and care.”
Growing our own
Our commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients is reflected in our kitchen gardens, lovingly tended by volunteers. These gardens supply seasonal produce, which our chefs incorporate into daily menus. Thanks to funding from the Environment Fund, administered by the Kent Community Foundation, we have established a new kitchen garden at our Canterbury hospice. Fresh ingredients like leeks and parsley are already being used in dishes such as leek and parmesan risotto and homemade fish cakes.
We also involve patients in the process, offering a mindful, reflective experience as they pick fresh ingredients for their meals.
Supporting our work
Through the dedication of our catering teams, volunteers, and supporters, we ensure every patient receives the nourishment – both physical and emotional – that they deserve.
Join our catering team
We’re looking for passionate individuals to join us, including a Head Chef at Canterbury. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef seeking a rewarding role with no split shifts or late nights.
As Head Chef, you will:
- Design and prepare nutritious, varied menus
- Cater for corporate and fundraising events
- Work with healthcare colleagues to meet dietary needs
- Lead and support a dedicated team
- Maintain high standards of food safety and cleanliness
This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to make a difference every day.
Check out our current vacancies at pilgrimshospices.org/jobs.
