Who is chef Kyle Greenwood MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 semi-finalist?

Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023, which airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Monday 23 October, we find out more about the chefs taking part.

Introducing Kyle Greenwood, Sous Chef, North Sheilds.

Thirty-one-year-old Sous Chef Kyle currently works for a 2 AA Rosette restaurant in Seaham.

He has lived in the Newcastle area his whole life and now lives in North Shields with his wife and seven-year-old daughter.

Name

Kyle Greenwood

AGE

31

Where are you from/where do you live

North Shields.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Kyle’s first job was as a pot wash to earn some cash to help out his family.

One day the pastry chef was off sick and Kyle stepped in to help, which started his journey working in the kitchen.

Always striving to work in top restaurants, Kyle has spent time at Hollbeck Ghyll, Windermere, as well as doing stages at The Fat Duck, Maidenhead and House of Tides in Newcastle.

He currently works for Seaham Hall at the Dining Room.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO COOKING AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

"I always had a passion for food growing up watch cooking programs such as Ready Steady Cook and MasterChef. I worked as a commis for a couple of years before going to college. I then staged in a couple of Michelin-starred venues around the country and that’s when I knew I had really made the right choice in life. Food has always been my escape and now I get to do that every day for a living."

"In cooking I like the freedom to be creative, the only limitations are my own and if I get stuck with anything, I know I have a talented team around me that works together to achieve what we like to achieve."

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COOKING AND ANY INFLUENCES ON IT?

“I feel I have a modern relaxed approach to fine dining. I like the balance of Japanese and other Asian cuisines with English and French cooking techniques and influences. I take inspiration from the things I see, taste and by doing competitions and looking at what other chefs are doing. The industry itself inspires me.”

WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS?

“I’ve been wanting to apply for the show for years but have put it off for the last five years. I now feel ready and believe I’m at a place where I can do well. I’ve won North East Chef of the year, which has been a good grounding. Now it’s time for MasterChef: The Professionals, the big one.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“I’m a massive Newcastle United football fan so I go to games where I can. I also love foraging and gardening and generally spending time with my family.”