thing to be involved with. In the TV show, you will see that I have a blood condition and I visit the hospital every six months. They do a lot for me and it’s great to give something back. It’s well worth it to do something like that for the NHS.
How difficult is it to cook in the Great British Menu kitchen alongside other chefs?
You are there to be in a competition and you want to win, so it is nerve-racking. However, after the first day or two, you start to get to know each other and it becomes a little bit more fun. I went in there with a huge amount of pressure on my shoulders (as that is the kind of person that I am), but once you relax and start to enjoy it -it’s a more fun thing to do.
What was the best part about being on Great British Menu 2018?
Probably getting to cook the food that I like to cook for other people. It’s nice to have someone else look at your food and what they are looking for.
Were there any negative parts to being on Great British Menu?
I don’t think so – probably just the stress of it all.
How did you find the criticism and being judged?
I quite like it – I really do appreciate criticism and getting feedback – I prefer it rather than telling me something is good and it’s not.
Were you more nervous about being judged by the veteran chef or the judges?
Probably both really – you are cooking alongside some great chefs as well, so I was probably more nervous about having them taste my food as well.
Do you have any standout memories during your time on Great British Menu?
I remember getting pulled aside by my veteran at the end and him saying a lot of really nice things to me. It was one of those kinds of moments that was very surreal.
Would you take part in Great British Menu again?
Yes, for sure!
Would you encourage your peers, colleagues and chef friends to take part in a competition like Great British Menu?
I would tell them to give it a shot. It will make you better and stronger and even if it doesn’t go your way you still learn from it. It’s a great opportunity and you should definitely go for it.
