FIRE crews were called to an assisted living apartment block today – after a top celebrity chef set off the fire alarm.
Nick Nairn was performing a cooking demonstration at the McCarthy & Stone-owned Lyle Court in Edinburgh when the “pan got too hot” and the alarms sounded.
Two fire engines raced to the scene – but arrived to find only a sheepish Nairn surrounded by elderly men and women.
The celebrity took to Twitter to share a snap from the home, where he can be seen in conversation with two firefighters.
Nairn had been showing residents how to cook dishes ranging from macaroni cheese to seared pigeon when the alarm sounded, bringing a halt to the demo.
Up to 60 elderly audience members had to wait as fire crews performed an inspection of the property to ensure no damage had been sustained.
The demonstration comes as part of a series of events for Nairn as he travels around various McCarthy & Stone owned properties
Janet Tully, who is assistant manager for Lyle Court, spoke of how the conditions may have been difficult for Nick to work in.
She said: “He’s been demonstrating in our lounge area – he had to bring his own equipment along. It’s not a big room.
“I was out on the phone when the alarm went off though so I’m not sure what he did.
“The demonstration has been fantastic so far. It’s part of a series of events, he has done a book signing also.”
The Nick Nairn cooking event was well-advertised on the McCarthy & Stone website.
It reads: “Join us for an exclusive audience with beloved chef Nick Nairn as he hold a series of cookery demonstrations in our luxurious homeowners’ lounge.
“Each session will showcase a specially selected 3 course menu, and Nick will be offering lots of helpful tips on healthy eating in later life.”
McCarthy & Stone provides housing for elderly retired individuals, and is responsible for constructing two third’s of Britain’s retirement housing stock each year.
A one bedroom apartment at Lyle Court costs between up to £250,000 and features 24-hour staffing 365 days of the year.
The luxurious apartments also boast a table service restaurant, landscaped gardens, and a camera entry system.
A spokeswoman for McCarthy & Stone said: “Nick Nairn was doing a live cookery demo about healthy eating in retirement.
“One of the pans got too hot and he set off a heat sensor.
“The fire crews came but everyone was fine and it just shows that the heat sensors are working properly.”
