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HOME / OUR CARE HOMES / DORSET / BOURNEMOUTH / AVON CLIFF / FOOD & DINING 

Food and dining at Avon Cliff

Meals are an important part of daily life at Avon Cliff. The home has its own trained chef and dedicated hospitality team preparing food in the kitchen each day. Many bring experience from hotels, restaurants and professional catering, and work to clear standards of preparation and service. 

The aim is straightforward: familiar, well-cooked meals that residents look forward to. Food is prepared properly, served at the right time of day and presented with care. Residents and families can expect dishes that taste good, look appealing and reflect meals known throughout their lives. 

How menus are planned

Fresh, seasonal ingredients 

Menus are built around fresh, seasonal produce selected for flavour and nutritional value. Trusted suppliers provide ingredients used regularly by the kitchen, supporting consistency from day to day. 

Alongside seasonal dishes, residents can choose familiar favourites. Menus are planned with attention to appetite, portion size and balance, offering variety without excess choice. 

How dining spaces and timing work

Mealtimes arranged to support comfort 

Dining areas are arranged so residents can sit comfortably, hear conversation and see what is happening around them without feeling crowded. Mealtimes are paced to avoid rush. The team notices who prefers a quieter setting, who benefits from support nearby and who enjoys sharing a table. 

Residents may dine in the main dining room, in a quieter space or in their own room. Families are welcome to join for everyday meals or small celebrations. Private dining can be arranged when required. 

Learning what matters day to day

Understanding preferences over time 

The chef and hospitality team take time to understand each resident’s preferences. This includes favourite flavours, portion sizes, dietary requirements and smaller details such as how someone likes their tea prepared. 

This knowledge develops through conversation and observation. Meals are adjusted gradually so residents remain comfortable with what is familiar while still enjoying choice. 

Sample menu 

Menus are developed by the chef in conversation with residents, reflecting seasonal ingredients and established preferences. 

Three meals are prepared each day and can be enjoyed in the dining room, in a resident’s own room or with family in a private setting. Menus are reviewed regularly and rotate through the seasons. 

A recent sample menu can be downloaded below to illustrate how dining is structured in practice. 

View Sample Menu

Coordinating food and care support

A steady partnership between kitchen and care teams 

Food and dining are supported jointly by kitchen, hospitality and care colleagues. Information is shared about appetite, hydration and how changes in health may affect mealtimes. 

This coordination ensures meals remain safe and enjoyable if needs change. Adjustments are made early and without disruption to the routine of the home. 

Texture-modified and specialist diets

Maintaining quality when needs change 

When additional support is required, the standard of the food remains consistent. Texture-modified and fortified meals are prepared from the same fresh ingredients as the main menu so flavour and presentation are maintained. 

Meals are plated with care and served at a steady pace. Residents are supported so they can eat comfortably and without hurry. 

Standards reflected across the group

Professional recognition 

Avon Cliff operates within the same catering framework used across all Colten Care homes. In 2025, Colten Care chefs Lorna Parsons and Jack Wood reached the national final of the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition after winning their regional heats, with Jack receiving the Sustainability and Wastage Award. 

While each home has its own chef and kitchen team, the standards of training, nutritional guidance and presentation are shared across the group. The recognition achieved at national level reflects the professional expectations maintained in every home, including Avon Cliff. 

Talk to us about food and dining

If food and dining matter to you, we would be pleased to explain how meals are prepared, served and enjoyed at Avon Cliff, and how residents are supported at mealtimes.

Speak to the home team
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