Bromsgrove care home launches ‘fakeaway’ feast – giving fast food giants a run for their money

Bromsgrove care home residents tucked into a finger-lickin’ ‘fakeaway’, as the home launched its first of a kind initiative. 

Care UK’s Chandler Court, in Bromsgrove, has launched its brand new ‘fakeaway’ menu – the ‘Chandler Chow’ – featuring six options all inspired by the local region, including ‘The Big McChandler’, ‘Kidderminster Fried Chicken’ and the ‘Hagley Hotdog’. 

The immersive experience begins when the ‘Chandler Chow’ menu is posted through residents’ doors and flyers are stuck across the home’s walls. The ‘fakeaway’ orders are taken and Head Chef Alex Millichamp immediately gets to work, specially preparing cuisines from the dedicated menu. This month, the menu also included ‘Catshill Chicken Tikka Kebab’, ‘Tenbury Wells Thai Curry’ and the ‘Chaddesley Chicken Fajita’. 

The culinary team then box up the residents’ orders in takeaway food containers; which are put into a delivery-style box. The dedicated service is completed when team members deliver the food on a delivery bike, with helmets and high-vis jackets.

Resident Cynthia Ingram, aged 81, said: “I ordered the Thai curry and enjoyed it a lot, it was a very nice change. I thought the delivery service was excellent and enjoyed the delivery bike – I even had a ride on it and had lots of laughs. It brought back lots of memories of ordering curry takeaway on family holidays and ordering a curry on a Friday night. I always chose one that was not too hot from the local Bromsgrove curry house.”

81-year-old resident Douggie Hubble, said: “I chose the Big McChandler burger and really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to working my way through the menu and trying the different food options. The delivery service was fun and it was interesting to open the packaging bringing back many fond memories – especially of not needing to wash up! My old Friday night takeaway order was always the Chinese sweet and sour chicken from China Wok in Bromsgrove.”

Roger Barraclough, aged 90, added: “I ordered the Thai curry which was very tasty especially the meat and veg. We didn’t have many takeaways growing up – only on special occasions – so it was a nice experience, a bit different and very enjoyable.”

Alex Millchamp, Head Chef at Care UK’s Chandler Court, said: “It's been wonderful to provide residents with the one of a kind ‘fakeaway’ delivery service. It’s certainly gone down a treat with everyone so far and it was lovely to see so many happy faces and full bellies. We’ve had so much fun designing the tasty and nutritious new menu and really bringing the takeaway experience to life for residents.”

Alex shared his inspiration for the initiative, saying: “The ‘fakeaway’ idea grew organically from our monthly resident meetings, when resident James Mudd commented on how much he missed ordering Friday-night takeaways and having them delivered to his door. 

“The culinary team and I went away and brainstormed, knowing that we wanted to give James and the other residents at Chandler Court as close to the true takeaway experience as possible, including choice, ordering, branding and the delivery itself. Everyone chipped in and the Chandler Chow was born – we even came up with a jingle!”

Tina Lilly, Home Manager at Chandler Court, said: “We know how much Brits love a takeaway and here at Chandler Court we’re no exception. We’re thrilled to be introducing the new initiative which means residents can enjoy all their foodie favourites while we ensure that their meals are just as nutritious and healthy as ever. 

“The evening evoked many fond memories for residents, who enjoyed reminiscing and sharing stories of Friday-night takeaways with loved ones. The team loved hearing all of the residents’ anecdotes – it was a wonderful social occasion and opportunity to get to know the residents on a even more meaningful level.

“I want to say a big thank you to Alex and the expert catering team at Chandler Court for designing the dedicated menu and cooking up a storm. It was truly wonderful to see the everyone get stuck into their roles, whether it was as a waiter taking residents orders, or a delivery cyclist arriving with the food. Both the residents and the team can’t wait for next month’s Chandler Chow specials.” 

Chandler Court is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.