The head chef at a Holloway care home is in the final of a national cooking competition.

Alex Wendling who works at Lennox House in Durham Road is down to the last four in Care UK’s Chef of the Year.

To get there, he had to make a two-course lunch for four people in 90 minutes. He made bacon-wrapped, pan-fried ballotine of chicken and tarragon served with herb polenta, seasonal greens, sesame green beans and a shallot jus.

For pudding, he settled on apple amandine tart, topped with Chantilly cream and fresh fruits. The dishes were judged on presentation, taste, texture, nutrition and use of products. The winner will be announced later this month.

Alex said: “I’m thrilled. The level of skill and creativity was really high, but I was confident my cooking would be received well, as they are dishes residents always look forward to.”