Introducing the Pop Up Coffee Shop

The team at Claremont Court showcase their entry for the Making a Difference Challenge to the judging panel

Claremont Court showcased their entry in response to a competition launched by celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott to come up with a new, creative and innovative dining experience for residents that can be sustained in the years ahead.

Claremont’s Pop Up Coffee Shop was visited on Thursday 13th October by the judging panel (constituting of the group Directors).  If either the home’s concept is shortlisted, Ainsley will visit on October 20^th to present them with a top of the range Weber gas barbeque for everyone to enjoy next summer.

Home Manager, Karen Byres said, “Claremont Court is a specialist dementia care home and we wanted to find something that would work well for all our residents – without disrupting our normal dining routine – whether they are bed bound or able to move around freely.”

“Our Pop Up Coffee Shop idea gives us the scope to literally ‘pop up’ wherever it is needed – inside the home, in the garden, at resident’s bedsides. Ultimately it aims to give all our residents the enjoyment and choice they would have at an old fashioned café – and tempt them to try new foods they might not ordinarily choose”.

The home has sourced attractive china tea sets and produced café style menus – changing with the seasons. Residents who are mobile can enjoy the Pop Up Coffee Shop in the home’s dining rooms – served by staff dressed as waitresses.

The menu was developed following taster sessions attended by staff, residents and their relatives earlier this year. Each month new combinations are planned such as New Potato and Spring Onion Frittata and Elderflower Cordial for May, Mini Crab Cakes and Strawberries and Cream in June.

The judging panel was joined by the Mayor of Guildford, Gordon Jackson and Lady Mayoress, Sue Jackson, as well as local councillor Pauline Searle. They viewed the Pop Up Coffee Shop and tasted the various sweet and savoury dishes on offer.

Judge Nicola Coveney said: “The home was asked to come up with something that was involving for the residents and would have a permanent impact on their day to day lives, as well as looking to involve the local community. We think they have done a fantastic job”.