FOOD THAT FEELS LIKE HOME
Award-winning care, one plate at a time
Matt Goodman joined Royal Alfred in 2014 as a chef and is now our catering manager – following in the footsteps of his grandmother Nora, who once worked here as a carer.
Under Matt’s leadership, the team was proud to win Care Home Catering Team of the Year at the 2022 Care Home Catering Awards. The award recognised their commitment to building strong relationships with residents, supporting the wider nursing team, and serving meals that meet a broad range of dietary needs with creativity and care.
Producing over 70,000 meals a year, the catering team blends seasonal produce, nutritional expertise, and warm-hearted service to make sure every mealtime matters.
Matt says their success comes down to strong teamwork, organisation, and the thoughtful use of technology – which helps with allergy tracking and meal personalisation. Residents are invited to take part in quarterly menu reviews and tasting sessions, helping to shape seasonal menus that feel familiar yet fresh.
For residents living with dementia, personalisation becomes even more important. The team works closely with carers, nurses and families to make mealtimes enjoyable, nourishing, and as stress-free as possible.
Belvedere House catering promise
We’re committed to delivering the very best in nutrition, hydration, and dining for every resident.
At Belvedere House, food is more than fuel – it’s a source of comfort, joy, and community. We take pride in offering fresh, seasonal meals that reflect personal tastes and dietary needs, all served with warmth and care.
Our promise to you:
- Matt will meet with you within 48 hours of arriving to understand your needs, preferences, and any dislikes
- There will always be alternative options if you have special dietary requirements
- We use a seasonal four-week menu, updated quarterly to keep things fresh
- A cooked breakfast will always be available to start your day right
- Snacks and drinks are available 24/7 – because hunger doesn’t stick to a schedule
- Dining rooms are sociable and welcoming, but meals can also be enjoyed in your room
- Classic favourites like roast dinners and fish and chips always have a place on the menu
- Birthdays are celebrated with homemade cake, if you’d like us to
- Every month, we host at least one themed dining event – from BBQs and Saints’ Days to international cuisines and nautical nods to our seafaring roots
“For me, catering isn’t just about food—it’s about creating moments of comfort and joy. I’m passionate about delivering the very best service because our residents deserve meals that are not only nutritious, but made with care, attention, and heart.”
Matt Goodman, Catering Manager
Sample Spring Menu
On Demand Drinks & Snacks
Twilight Snacks
On a cold, wet day there is nothing better than keeping active indoors and table tennis was the perfect choice. 🏓
Activities like this are great for both physical and mental wellbeing. They help with coordination, gentle exercise, concentration, and social connection, as well as bringing plenty of laughter and friendly competition. It was lovely to see residents enjoying themselves and making the most of the day together.
#ActiveAgeing #Wellbeing #StayingActive #IndoorActivities #CommunityLife #LaterLife #MakingTheMostOfTheDay
Feb 26
Earlier this month we said a fond farewell to two much-valued colleagues as we marked their final day with us and presented them with a small token of our appreciation.
Lyn, our wonderful Chef, is retiring after 3 years of dedicated service. Her hard work, warmth, and the pride she took in looking after others through her cooking has meant so much to residents and colleagues alike. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her a long, happy, and well-earned retirement.
Andy, our Tenant Liaison Lead, is heading off to discover new opportunities. During his time with us, Andy has made a real difference through his approachability, professionalism, and genuine care for tenants. We thank him for everything he has contributed and wish him every success in the next chapter.
Thank you both for your service, dedication, and the positive impact you’ve had. You leave with our sincere thanks and very best wishes for the future. 💐
#ThankYou #Farewell #Retirement #NewBeginnings #TeamAppreciation #ServiceAndDedication #Grateful
Feb 25
We were incredibly moved to receive this card from the family of a resident we had the honour of caring for.
Looking after someone in their final years is a responsibility we never take for granted. Knowing that our care, kindness and time made a difference to both the resident and their loved ones means everything to our team.
Thank you for your trust, and for taking the time to share such kind words 🤍
#Grateful #ProudToCare #DignityInCare #Compassion #CareWithKindness #MakingADifference #TeamWork
Feb 24
A splash of colour and a lot of smiles 🎨
Our residents had a lovely time painting pebbles, getting creative and enjoying each other’s company. It’s always wonderful to see how simple activities can spark conversation, laughter and a real sense of calm.
Some beautiful little works of art were created today and every one of them tells a story 💙
#ResidentsActivities #CreativeMoments #ArtAndWellbeing #CommunityLife #MakingMemories #CareHomeLife
Feb 23
Liz led a wonderful jewellery-making activity recently, and it was an absolute hit with everyone involved. Residents really got stuck in, sharing ideas, chatting away, and creating some beautiful pieces to take away and treasure.
Huge thanks to Liz for leading such a joyful session. Activities like this aren’t just about what’s made, but the smiles, laughter, and connections created along the way. 💎
#MeaningfulActivities #CreativityAtAnyAge #Community #MakingMemories
Feb 22
🧧🐉 Happy Chinese New Year! 🐉🧧
On Tuesday we welcomed the Year of the Horse (2026) with a wonderful celebration full of delicious food, colour and community spirit here at The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society.
Our talented kitchen team prepared a special festive menu for residents to enjoy:
🥢 Lunch
Hong Kong Style Sweet & Sour Chicken with Egg Fried Rice
or
Beef & Black Bean Chow Mein
🍰 Dessert
Pancakes with Lemon & Sugar
or
Strawberries & Chocolate Sauce
🥣 Supper
Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup
Assorted Chinese Buffet Selection
🥭 Dessert
Chinese Mango Delight
The dining room looked fantastic, and it was lovely to see residents coming together to celebrate, share stories, and enjoy something a little different. Food has such a special way of bringing people together — and today was a perfect example of that.
A big thank you to our catering team for creating such a wonderful experience for everyone.
Wishing all our residents, families and friends health, happiness and prosperity for the year ahead. 🧧✨
#ChineseNewYear #YearOfTheHorse #RoyalAlfredSeafarers #CommunityCelebration #CareHomeLife
Feb 21
After 17 years of dedicated service, we recently said a very fond farewell to Shirley, our Housekeeping Manager and a truly valued member of our team.
Shirley’s commitment, professionalism and pride in her work have helped shape this home into the place it is today. She has led by example, supported and mentored others, and quietly gone above and beyond every single day, all while maintaining the highest standards and a genuine care for the people around her.
Her loyalty and work ethic speak for themselves, but it is her kindness, humour and calm presence that so many of us will miss most. Shirley leaves behind not just a legacy of excellent housekeeping, but a team she has helped nurture and prepare for the future.
We thank Shirley for everything she has given over the past 17 years and wish her a happy, healthy and well deserved retirement. She will always be part of the fabric of this home 💐
#Retirement
#ThankYouShirley
#LongService
#HousekeepingHero
#TeamAppreciation
#WellDeserved
#Grateful
Feb 20
🥞 Shrove Tuesday Treat! 🥞
On Tuesday we were thoroughly spoiled as Chef Pattie treated all the staff to freshly made pancakes for Shrove Tuesday!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of pancakes cooking to bring everyone together, and Pattie didn’t disappoint. From classic lemon and sugar to a few indulgent extras, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
It’s these small but thoughtful gestures that make such a difference to our team. A huge thank you to Pattie for taking the time to look after us while we look after our wonderful residents.
We hope everyone had a flipping fantastic Shrove Tuesday! 💛
#ShroveTuesday #TeamAppreciation #ThankYouChef #BelvedereHouse
Feb 19
