British Menu is an advantage?
100% - it is an advantage. You know how the production team works, the long hours – you’re just mentally prepared for it. I felt as though I was kind of a step ahead in that sense but to be fair, I was giving advice or a helping hand to Sabrina and Marianne any time that I could. Even though you’re competing against each other, you’re all working for the same thing. They're your peers so you respect each other on that level because they’ve got great restaurants too. It’s more rewarding to help people and encourage them, rather than to put them down.
What was the best part about being on Great British Menu?
I think the fact that my lovely husband was on the show! There was the build up to the wedding and then after that, you had to get all your dishes done and get practising. We didn’t go on a honeymoon – we still haven’t done that yet!
Were there any negative parts to being on Great British Menu?
Just the worry of getting beaten by my husband! I think there’s a song out there – ‘anything you can do, I can do better’ and that’s Liam’s motto. Whenever I do something, that’s what he’s singing in the background!
How did you find the criticism and being judged?
I take criticism quite well. Anybody that gives me criticism, I always see as a customer and customers are what makes the restaurant busy. If I strongly disagree, I will stand my corner though.
Were you more nervous about being judged by the veteran chef or the judges?
When my veteran judge walked through the door, I thought ‘holy shit’! This person is very well thought of in the industry. Even though they’re there to judge, they want to give out high scores if they can and they’re encouraging you to cook your heart out. I think you get that initial fear with any judge, and then as the competition goes on and you get your first course out, you can kind of gauge where the persons at. You want that gratification instantly almost, because it’s making sure that you’re doing a good job on your food.
Would you take part in Great British Menu again?
Every year, if they asked me, I’d always do it. It’s good fun and it keeps you on your toes as well! Business does increase too – I think we saw a 20% boost last year and we can only double that this year with two of us on it.
Would you encourage your peers, colleagues and chef friends to take part in a competition like Great British Menu?
Yeah 100%! I recommended Liam. It sharpens you as a chef and it gives you that little boost in life that sometimes, you might need. Also, it gives you an opportunity to represent great causes.
