Oakland Care launch UK’s first dementia-friendly restaurant in Kent

Leading care home provider, Oakland Care, has launched the UK’s first dementia-friendly community restaurant at Hyllden Heights care home in Hildenborough, Kent. Known as ‘Kentish Kitchen’, the fine dining restaurant is designed to serve people and the families of those who may be living with dementia or memory impairment, but will also act as an inclusive dining space for anyone who may have difficulties dining in traditional restaurants but are eager to enjoy good food and company in a safe and welcoming environment. Working in collaboration with independent charity, BRACE – Dementia Research, Oakland Care have re-imagined what inclusive dining looks like through the careful curation of the unique restaurant space. Situated within the care home and staffed by Oakland Care’s own trained staff, the restaurant is designed to fully accommodate, facilitate, and assist guests who may be dealing with cognitive decline or mobility issues. This includes the ability for diners to request modified food if they have difficulties cutting, chewing, or swallowing, as well as adapted cutlery and drinkware for the best possible dining experience. To mark the official launch of the ‘Kentish Kitchen’ the team welcomed its first 22 guests to the restaurant on 7th October. Following this point the restaurant is planning to open monthly, offering a ‘tasting menu’ that has been designed by Head Chef at Hyllden Heights, Rob Lewis, and which utilises local, fresh, ingredients from Kent, coupled with local beverages. This will be made available for a donation. The restaurant space will continue to adapt and evolve as a concept, to meet the needs of different communities and people that may find dining in fine-dining restaurants challenging. Proceeds from the restaurant will firstly be donated to BRACE Dementia Research and their committed efforts to defeating dementia through scientific research, before rotating to support other charities as part of the initiative. Chief Executive Officer at Oakland Care, Joanne Balmer BEM, said: “We’re delighted to announce the official launch of the community restaurant at our Hyllden Heights care home in Kent. This represents the culmination of excellent work between those at Oakland Care and BRACE Dementia to create a unique space which will positively impact the lives of many. “It will not only support those living with dementia or memory impairment and their families who may be seeking a space to accommodate their needs, but also anybody who is seeking inclusive dining. This is a space where people can enjoy high-quality, fine dining in a safe, purpose-built, environment. Through this restaurant we will be able to raise important funds for BRACE Dementia Research and their important work, as well as other charities in the future. Chris Williams, CEO, BRACE Dementia Research, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Hyllden Heights Care Home and the opening of their dementia-friendly community restaurant – Kentish Kitchen, the first of its kind in the UK. A fantastic initiative which sees the restaurant offering top end food and also supporting dementia research. Thank you to all involved.”

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