Inverness ‘Super Chef’ wins top gong at national awards
AN Inverness chef has landed a top prize for dishing up exciting meals at a local nursery.
John McCruden from Claremont Nursery in Inverness is celebrating after being crowned chef of the year at the Busy Bees’ annual Nursery Manager Celebration Awards.
The head chef at the nursery which is located in Stratherrick Road, beat off stiff opposition from chefs at more than 370 nurseries across the UK and Ireland to earn the prestigious accolade.
The panel of judges were won over by his enthusiasm to engage with the children at the nursery, both inside and outside the kitchen.
Mr McCruden involves children in regular cooking activities, which often involve music and stories, helping to bring each meal to life.
Nursery manager Fiona Mackenzie said: “We are so proud of John for achieving chef of the year – it is so well-deserved.
"He regularly sings with our children and has even set up a science club which includes science within the children’s cooking activities.
“The children call him ‘Super Chef’ which truly reflects the fantastic work he does.
"He provides nutritionally balanced and interesting meals every day. Not only is John a skilled and talented chef, he’s also highly creative. He puts his creativity into everything he does.
"This is what makes John really stand out: his enthusiasm and ambition to create meals that every child can enjoy.”
Mr McCruden said: “I was over the moon to hear I had been named chef of the year.
"It’s amazing to receive this kind of recognition for a job that I get huge enjoyment out of. I’m so lucky to work with a wonderful group of people who allow me to experiment and get creative with cooking activities with the children.”
