Who is chef Jun Au on Great British Menu 2026?

With Great British Menu 2026 now on our screens on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, we find out more about chef Jun Au, who is competing in the Scotland heat.

Jun Au is chef patron and founder of Pomelo, a modern Chinese restaurant in Edinburgh. What began as a small neighbourhood noodle spot has grown into a 24-cover dining destination recognised across Scotland for its bold flavours and confident approach to modern Chinese cooking.

From neighbourhood beginnings to restaurant owner

Jun moved to Scotland at the age of six and grew up in a neighbourhood with few restaurant options or late-night food outlets. That experience shaped his sense of community and purpose. He has spoken about wanting to build something for the area he grew up in, creating the kind of food culture he wished had existed when he was younger.

He credits his mother with inspiring his love for food. She taught him to cook from a young age and once dreamed of opening her own restaurant. She also chose the name Pomelo, giving the restaurant a direct link to family and heritage.

Pomelo and modern Chinese cooking in Edinburgh

Under Jun’s leadership, Pomelo has developed a strong reputation for combining Asian techniques with high-quality Scottish produce. The menu reflects a modern interpretation of Chinese cooking while remaining rooted in flavour, seasonality and identity.

The restaurant is frequently cited among Edinburgh’s must-visit dining venues and is known for its bold seasoning, refined execution and careful sourcing.

Jun’s food philosophy centres on producing food that reflects both his heritage and where he is cooking. His dishes balance cultural influence with local ingredients, creating plates that feel personal and regionally grounded.

Awards and recognition

Jun’s accolades include being named Best Asian Chef in Scotland by the Asian Catering Federation, which reflects his growing influence within Scotland’s dining scene and the impact Pomelo has had since opening.