don’t give the NHS and the people who work within it enough praise which they deserve. They work relentlessly hard, every day and all year, to make sure our nations patients are well looked after. So for me on a personal level it was a privilege to be involved in Great British Menu and it gave me that hunger and drive to try and get to the banquet.
How difficult is it to cook in the Great British Menu kitchen alongside other chefs?
It’s so intense! I mean I didn’t sleep for like 48hrs prior to filming. You’re up against the best chefs in London and the South East and we all know this is one of the hardest regions in the show. I went in very unorganised, I had never plated up any of my dishes or cooked them prior before this so that was extra pressure added on top.
Were there any negative parts to being on Great British Menu?
Yeah but all of my own doing - I was so unorganised. I feel as the competition went on I became more confident and more comfortable in what I wanted to achieve. I have to give shout out to my girlfriend Jessica Partridge she supported me from the beginning!
How did you find the criticism and being judged?
I believe any criticism is productive criticism and everything that the judges said I took on board and it paid off.
Were you more nervous about being judged by the veteran chef or the judges?
I was so much more nervous being judged by the chef because they pull and critique your food. But as a chef you are always learning so take it on the chin.
Do you have any standout memories during your time on Great British Menu?
I have quiet a few! Doing the moon walk in the kitchen, throwing meat around the kitchen when I overcooked it and the support and love from all the chefs.
Would you take part in Great British Menu again?
No I wouldn’t.
Would you encourage your peers, colleagues and chef friends to take part in a competition like Great British Menu?
Yes but you have to be mentally and physically prepared for an intense cooking competition. You always have to remember to always have fun - that would be my advice! It’s an experience you will never forget.
