My Time On BBC Two's Great British Menu

This year, I had the absolute privilege of competing on Great British Menu – a show I’ve admired for as long as I can remember. I’ve spent years watching some of the best chefs in the country cook under that intense pressure, never quite imagining I’d find myself in their shoes. So to step into that kitchen, knives prepped, mind racing, cameras rolling – it was a real pinch-me moment.

I’d rehearsed every dish countless times in my own kitchen, fine-tuned every garnish, every sauce, every last second of timing. But nothing really prepares you for what it’s like on the day. The pressure is relentless, and everything – every movement, every decision – is under the spotlight. You’re not just cooking great food, you’re telling a story, communicating something personal and meaningful through each course.

This year’s theme - celebrating Great Britain's Greatest Britons - really challenged us to push our creativity further, and I relished the chance to bring a bit of Yorkshire spirit into the mix. What I didn’t expect, though, was just how strong the sense of camaraderie would be. Yes, it’s a competition. You want to win. You want your dish to make it to the banquet. But standing alongside other chefs who’ve all worked just as hard to get there, there’s a huge amount of mutual respect. The support behind the scenes, the jokes between takes, the shared glances after a tough critique – those moments made the experience even more special. I’ve come away with new friends and a genuine appreciation for what each of us brought to the table.

Looking back, I can honestly say I grew from it. The whole experience pushed me harder than I thought possible – technically, creatively, emotionally. I learned to trust myself more, to lean into my instincts and cook with even more purpose. It reminded me why I love what I do, and why I’ll never stop striving to be better. To be crowned the regional winner of the North East and Yorkhire is something I'm really proud of, and to get a 10/10 scoring main course from the culinary legend that is Michael O'Hare was an incredible feeling.