The finish line is in sight for this year's Great British Menu. With only two more heats to go, there are already a good few finalists hoping to get their dishes to the banquet, but we've still got a few more regions to get through. Next up is the North West, which has a serious culinary pedigree thanks to the likes of Nigel Haworth, Lisa Allen and Simon Rogan. Take a look at this year's hopefuls below.
As we make our way through the competition, the penultimate heat sees the best chefs of the North West battle it out for a place in the final. See who's been chosen to represent the region this year on Great British Menu.
Ellis Barrie, The Marram Grass, Anglesey
Originally from Liverpool, Ellis Barrie now runs The Marram Grass in Anglesey, a converted greasy spoon cafe (complete with corrugated iron roofing) which serves up some of the best food in the country. With an on-site farm, Ellis and his brother Liam put produce above all else, and as a previous Great British Menu contestant, he's bringing plenty of experience to the table.
Craig Sherrington, Virginia House, Cumbria
Working under chefs such as David Everitt-Matthias and Eric Chavot turned Craig Sherrington into a formidable chef, and he now owns his own restaurant in Cumbria. At Virginia House, he serves relaxed bistro-style food, but has previously crafted tasting menus that play with unusual flavour combinations and the very best local ingredients. As a newcomer and a relatively unknown chef, he's got plenty to prove.
Liam Simpson-Trotman, Orwells, Oxfordshire
After his partner and co-head chef Ryan appeared in the Central heats, getting to the judges chamber but unfortunately not making it to the final, it's Liam's turn to see if he can do better. Orwells puts British produce and French technique at the fore, and it will be interesting to see how Liam's cooking style differs from his partner's.
