Managing Director Competes In Charity Cook Off

Staff and residents at Tandridge Heights care home in Oxted are over the moon because their inspirational Managing Director, Michelle Macadangdang, from Barchester’s South East Division, and her team of fellow MDs have really brought home the bacon and won the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2026.

Michelle’s team, the Pressure Cookers, made up of Managing Directors and a Hospital Director from five of Barchester’s divisions, went head to head with members of Barchester’s Executive team, the Rolling Scones, to cook up a storm and win the coveted Cook Off crown whilst raising vital funds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. With money still coming in, so far the Cook Off 2026 has raised an extraordinary £53,000.

The Charitable Foundation helps connect vulnerable people and those living with a disability to community groups in their local area by providing grants to improve mobility and quality of life. Each year the Foundation distributes thousands of pounds to individuals, small community groups and charities across England, Scotland and Wales. In 2025 the Foundation achieved a donation milestone of £424,000 which enabled the charity to provide vital help to a staggering 262 small groups and charities, plus 123 individuals in one year alone.

The Pressure Cookers beat the Rolling Scones with their sensational menu which had a choice of three different starters, the judges named their Lobster Bisque with chive crème fraiche and croutons an absolute triumph. For main, there was a choice of Cod Loin with beetroot, asparagus and champ mash or homemade Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry. For dessert, the options were White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake or Rhubarb Crumble Custard Tart and their Afternoon Tea item was a Sausage Plait with red onion chutney which the judges agreed was to die for. . Michelle comments: “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and many of us agreed that although we had so much work to do, the day itself was a great way to relieve stress. The sense of camaraderie and the jovial spirit were clear across both teams. There was even some light hearted banter with a few team members trying to distract the other team but it was all taken in good fun! A big thank you to everyone who donated and who helped organise the day. It was a brilliant team effort and an impressive amount raised.”

General Manager of Tandridge Heights care home, Subin, adds: “We are all in awe of Chef Michelle, is there nothing she can’t do! All of the MDs did a brilliant job and raised so much money, they are an absolute inspiration to us all. The Foundation is a cause very close to all our hearts so this is a remarkable achievement.”

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