Overview
- A team of managing directors called the Pressure Cookers beat Barchester’s executive team, the Rolling Scones, in the company cook-off on Thursday, May 21, raising about £53,000 so far for the Barchester Charitable Foundation.
- The winning team was led by senior managers including Duncan Edwards and included managing directors from five regional divisions, with local homes highlighting participants such as Alison Donaldson.
- Judges praised the Pressure Cookers’ menu — notably a lobster bisque, cod loin and a sweet potato and chickpea curry — as the group combined professional leadership with staff teamwork to win the contest.
- Proceeds will be used for the foundation’s regular grants that help people with disabilities and small community groups improve mobility and quality of life, building on the charity’s £424,000 of donations to 262 groups and 123 individuals in 2025.
- Organisers say donations are still being received and the event doubled as staff engagement and positive local publicity that could boost future fundraising across Barchester’s network of care homes.