Colleagues from the Mount Ephraim House catering team (two left) and manager Karen Cooper receive their national award at the annual Greensleeves Care Awards.

Staff and residents at Mount Ephraim House – the number one not-for-profit care home in Tunbridge Wells – are celebrating after winning a prestigious national accolade at an annual event that recognises excellence across care homes in England. 

The Greensleeves Care Awards celebrate talent, compassion, and innovation from across the not-for-profit group’s homes across the country. With over 1,900 employees, the awards honour achievements across a wide range of categories, including outstanding care practice, leadership, teamwork, community engagement, dementia care, and resident wellbeing. 

Mount Ephraim House was singled out from among 300 nominations and recognised in the Dining Experience category, with the home’s Catering Team receiving a certificate and a cash prize to be spent in the home. The category celebrates creativity and quality in food provision, as well as the role of mealtimes in enhancing social connection and overall wellbeing. 

The team at Mount Ephraim House were praised for their person-centred approach to food and dining. Mealtimes at the home are seen not just as a necessity but as a social occasion – an opportunity for residents, staff, and visiting families to come together and enjoy good food in a warm, welcoming setting. Menus are shaped by resident preferences through regular satisfaction surveys and discussions at quarterly meetings, ensuring every voice is heard and every meal matters. 

Food presentation at Mount Ephraim House in Tunbridge Wells

Karen Cooper, Home Manager at Mount Ephraim House, said: 

“We are so proud to receive this award – it’s a true celebration of the dedication, creativity, and care our catering team puts into making mealtimes special. Dining here is about more than nutrition – it’s about community, dignity, and joy. This recognition is incredibly meaningful to all of us, and we’re excited to continue raising the bar for our residents.” 

Once a royal hunting lodge used by King Charles II and Nell Gwyn, Mount Ephraim House reopened in summer 2023 after extensive renovations. Earlier this year, the home was named among the Luxury Care Homes in Frank Knight’s prestigious Luxury Care Home Guide. 

For more information about or to arrange a visit, click here to discover: Mount Ephraim House in Tunbridge Wells.