At Harbour Rise, good food is about far more than what’s on the plate. It’s about comfort, routine, enjoyment and making sure every resident and guest feels cared for, every single day. From familiar favourites to special celebrations, food plays a central role in creating a home that feels warm, sociable and full of life.
At the heart of this is our wonderful chef, Diane, who has been part of the Harbour Rise family for over six years.
Diane – our chef and the heart of the kitchen
Diane is dedicated, reliable and deeply passionate about cooking food that is both delicious and nourishing. She takes great pride in creating balanced, nutritious menus, thoughtfully prepared to suit residents’ individual tastes, routines and dietary needs.
Using fresh, locally sourced produce wherever possible, Diane plans menus that bring comfort and enjoyment to every mealtime. From wholesome home-cooked lunches to the much-loved cakes that spark conversation and smiles, her care and attention are evident in every dish.
Before joining Harbour Rise, Diane built up valuable experience working as a chef in Torquay restaurants Littlewoods and Jingles, and later in a primary school in Bishopsteignton. That background shines through in her calm, capable approach and her understanding of how important food is to wellbeing at every stage of life.
Working closely with the wider kitchen team, including Kiera and Kevin, Diane ensures menus are varied, enjoyable and always carefully considered. Outside of work, she’s a proud mum to two boys, and that caring, thoughtful nature carries through into everything she does here at Harbour Rise.
Food that supports health, dignity and enjoyment
Our modern kitchen provides residents and day care or respite guests with wholesome, nutritious home cooking, with all dietary requirements carefully catered for. We are proud to consistently maintain a five-star “very good” Food Hygiene rating, reflecting the high standards we uphold every day.
Residents enjoy a wide choice of foods, including breakfast, a three-course lunch and an evening meal, with menus designed to offer both variety and familiarity. Throughout the day, there are regular refreshments including mid-morning tea or coffee, afternoon drinks served with cakes or fruit, and evening drinks with comforting options such as hot chocolate, Horlicks or herbal teas. Cold drinks and snacks are always available, day and night, ensuring no one ever feels rushed or overlooked.
Every meal is served with care, patience and attention, supporting those who need a little help while always preserving dignity and independence.
Harbour Cuppa Café – a place to connect
Food at Harbour Rise is also about connection. Our second, south-facing dining room overlooks the patio and is home to Harbour Cuppa Café, a relaxed, friendly space where residents can enjoy snacks and hot drinks with friends and family.
Families are welcome to help themselves, and residents love taking their loved ones “out” for a drink in the café. It’s a convivial meeting place that feels just like a local café, and it can also be booked for private occasions such as birthday parties and family get-togethers, creating meaningful moments to share together.
A vital part of daily life at Harbour Rise
Whether someone is with us for day care, respite care or residential care, we believe good food should always feel familiar, enjoyable and reassuring. At Harbour Rise, mealtimes are never rushed, never clinical and never an afterthought. They are moments of comfort, routine and genuine care.
From the kitchen to the table, every detail is thoughtfully considered – because feeling well fed is about feeling valued.
If you’d like to learn more about life at Harbour Rise in Paignton and across Torbay, we’re always happy to talk or welcome you in for a visit.
