Delicious Dining at Our Care Home in Billingshurst
Experience Home-Cooking at Our Care Home
Our kitchen staff believe that good food is at the heart of well‑being and happiness. They’re not wrong! A familiar home-cooked meal can do wonders for the mind. That’s why our dining experience is designed to be nutritious, delicious, and a pleasure, not just a necessity.
Whether for long‑term residents, short‑term stays, or visiting family, every meal is an opportunity to share, enjoy, and feel fully cared for.
CQC-Rated & Fully Inspected Care Home in Horsham
At Derwent Lodge, we’ve proudly supported countless residents throughout Horsham and the wider West Sussex area with high-quality, compassionate care. Our home undergoes routine inspections and continues to maintain a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The CQC monitors care homes across the UK to ensure they meet strict standards of safety, care, and legal compliance. Choosing a CQC-rated home gives you peace of mind. Learn more about what a ‘Good’ rating means and why families trust us.
What to Expect from Our Dining Services
Some people like the same routine meals, and others like variety. Our dining approach is built around each resident, ensuring that every mealtime is nourishing, enjoyable and tailored to individual taste buds.
What to expect from us:
- Wholesome & Seasonal Menus – We plan our meals around fresh, locally‑sourced produce wherever possible. Our chefs create dishes that are balanced and tailored to dietary needs, including special diets, allergies, textures and personal preferences.
- Flexibility & Choice – At each mealtime, residents have options to suit their preferences. Whether they favour traditional favourites, like a full English or lighter plates, like toast, porridge or fruit, we accommodate individual tastes.
- Personalised Care & Support – Staff are trained to support dining needs. Whether someone needs help eating, modified meals, such as pureed or soft food or other special assistance, our team are the perfect dining companion.
- Social Occasions – We believe dining together enhances quality of life. Meals are served in communal dining rooms, with opportunities to dine with fellow residents, socialise, and enjoy company.
Where & How Residents and Visitors Dine
- Communal Dining Room – Our main dining room is bright, welcoming and comfortable. Meals are served here daily, with attentive staff and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Bistro Café – Open throughout the day for light refreshments, snacks or afternoon tea. Visitors can join residents here for coffee, cakes or light bites.
- Private, Assisted Dining – For those who prefer or require more privacy or special support, meals can be served in‑room with full care.
- Outdoors Garden Dining – In good weather, dining al fresco is offered in our garden courtyard so residents can enjoy fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
No matter how our residents dine, we are certain to deliver a plateful, where and how they like it.
Our Unique Dining Strengths at Derwent Lodge
- Chef‑led Expertise – Our culinary team isn’t just cooking to schedule, they’re passionate about flavour, presentation and nutrition. They regularly review menus and attend training to stay current with best practices in care home nutrition.
- Local & Seasonal Sourcing – We prioritise ingredients from local suppliers and seasonal produce, supporting the community and ensuring food is fresh and flavoursome.
- Regular Themed & Social Dining Events -From food & drink tastings to themed dinners and afternoon teas, we arrange social events centred around food to bring residents, staff and families together.
- Family & Visitor Involvement – We welcome visitors to join for meals, with prior arrangement, and host family gathering meals. Seeing loved ones share a meal enhances the sense of home.
These thoughtful touches create a great dining experience for our residents.
Guaranteed Food Quality & Safety Standards
We take pride in delivering a dining service that is as safe and nutritious as it is enjoyable.
- All food preparation is under strict hygiene and safety protocols aligned with current health regulations.
- Menus are reviewed by nutrition specialists to ensure they meet the needs of older adults: adequate protein, hydration, vitamins, minerals and more.
- Special dietary requirements are catered for: diabetic, gluten‑free, vegetarian, vegan, texture‑modified meals, and food allergies.
- Regular feedback from residents about food quality, menu variety, and mealtimes is collected and acted upon.
This commitment to safety, quality, and resident input ensures every meal meets our high standards and their expectations.
Gallery
Enjoy a collection of images showing our facilities and amenities at Derwent Lodge. We are proud of the care services we provide to residents at our purpose-built care home.
Our Testimonials
Life at Derwent Lodge Care Home
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Live Entertainment
Live Entertainment
We are determined to keep our residents socially engaged and entertained.
From live music and singing to dance events and interactive games, our care residents enjoy a variety of meaningful performances and entertainment.
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Dining
Dining
Learn MoreWe believe that good food is central to well-being and happiness, which is why our dining experience is designed to be nutritious, delicious, and truly enjoyable.
Whether for long-term residents, short stays, or visiting family, every meal served at our Bistro Café and Kitchenette is a chance to share moments, savour flavours, and feel completely cared for.
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En-Suite Bedrooms
En-Suite Bedrooms
Each of our 56 en-suite bedrooms is designed to help residents feel truly at home. Every room offers comfort, privacy, and the reassurance of a personal space to relax and unwind.
With all essential features and room for cherished personal belongings, each bedroom becomes a familiar and comforting retreat.
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Indoor & Outdoor Activities
Indoor & Outdoor Activities
Our activities coordinators prioritise active, engaged and socially connected indoors and outdoor activities.
Whether its familiar hobbies or new experiences, our weekly care home activity schedules are thoughtfully designed for each resident.
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Residential Gardens
Residential Gardens
Whether our residents enjoy sitting in the fresh air, taking a gentle stroll, socialising with family, friends and residents or even gardening, our courtyard is the perfect outdoor space.
Our residents love our courtyard and many guests have complimented its lovely calming atmosphere.
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Communal Lounges
Communal Lounges
Learn MoreOur comfortably furnished communal lounges are at the forefront of our residents’ day-to-day.
In your home, a living room is designed for living. From relaxing on the sofa, watching TV, hosting for friends and family or enjoying a hot drink, our communal lounges are the living rooms for all our residents.
Download our free brochure
Download our free brochure
Get in touch
Enquire here and we can find out how to help you.
Care Home Dining FAQs
Yes! All meals at Derwent Lodge are personalised to suit individual dietary requirements, including allergies, medical needs (diabetic, low-sodium), religious or cultural preferences, and personal tastes. We also offer texture‑modified meals and fortified options where needed.
Absolutely. We warmly welcome family members and friends to dine with residents. Simply let us know in advance, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements in our dining room or café area.
Our menus are diverse, seasonal, and designed with resident input. Expect traditional British favourites, comforting home-cooked meals, lighter options, and the occasional themed or international dish. All food is made fresh on site with quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
Menus rotate regularly to provide variety and reflect seasonal ingredients. Our chefs also gather feedback from residents to make ongoing adjustments and introduce new dishes based on their preferences.
Our trained care staff provide discreet, respectful support for residents who need assistance with eating or drinking. This includes physical help, adapted utensils, or specially prepared meals, all designed to promote dignity and enjoyment at every mealtime.