Great British Menu 2014 - Wales Heat

The Staff Canteen

Meet the Great British Menu 2014 contestants from Wales; Mary Ann Gilchrist, Andy Beaumont and David Kelman.

Mary Ann Gilchrist

Great British Menu 2014 Mary Ann Gilchrist
Mary Ann Gilchrist

Mary began her working life as a nurse in the 70's. She soon realised it wasn’t for her, and so then found herself managing one of the first wine bars outside of London. When the chef walked out one busy lunchtime, Mary took to the kitchen and has been there ever since. Her career has seen her at Jeanie’s Restaurant, Oxford; The Three Cronies gastro-pub in Thorpe Mandeville, and she has owned several businesses with her husband, Alan.

The pair finally settled in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales, where Mary has been chef proprietor of Carlton Riverside since 1991. The restaurant currently holds two AA rosettes and has won a string of awards including AA Wales Restaurant of the Year 2007/8; Top 100 UK Restaurants – National Restaurant Awards 2009; and a True Taste Award winner from 2001-2005.

>>> Related: Find out more about the AA Restaurant Guide here

Mary herself is a Slow Food Movement ambassador and a Masterchef of GB. The AA describes her food as fuss-free; “perfectly cooked tip-top materials brought together in thoughtful combinations.”  

Andy Beaumont

Andy is a farmer’s son from Abergavnny, and has had an AA rosette and Michelin star

Great British Menu 2014 Andy Beaumont
Andy Beaumont

littered history, including where he started as sous chef - Tyddyn Llan, Corwen. This was where he worked with his biggest influence Bryan Webb. He then moved onto to Lower Slaughter Manor in the Cotswolds, as sous chef, and then to The Hambrough, Isle of White.

In 2011 he became head chef at the four AA rosetted The Falcondale, near Lampeter, before taking the helm of Hammet House, Pembrokeshire. Their website describes Andy’s food as; “classic dishes reborn & revitalised through innovation & modern technology.”

Andy lists farming as his second passion which brings a natural understanding of importance and process of sourcing his ingredients.  

David Kelman

Great British Menu 2014 David Kelman
David Kelman

David has wanted to be a chef since he was 13, and went on to train at Llandrillo College for four years. His first job came at the Bodysgallen Hall Hotel, North Wales. His first head chef position followed at the Lower Slaughter House, where he contributed to the restaurant being awarded three AA rosettes and becoming a Relais & Chateau member.

He then headed the Wyck Hill Hotel before taking over at The Beaufort Dining Room at Ellenborough Park. The hotel has been awarded five AA stars and three AA rosettes, and lead David to be named Chef of the Year in 2013 by the Cotswold Life Food & Drink awards.

>>> Related: The Welsh National Team win silver and bronze at the World Culinary Olympics in Germany

David has cooked for both the Queen and the Prime Minister, and has captained the Welsh National Culinary Team to win silver and bronze in 2012. His charity work includes Chef’s Night Out 2011 – in aid of South Wales Children’s Hospice, and the Sunrise Walk for Winston’s Wish.

By Harriet Knight

>>> Everything you need to know about Great British Menu here

>>> Read more about Great British Menu 2014 here

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall and restrict access – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 12 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 500,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.

The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 23rd May 2014

Great British Menu 2014 - Wales Heat