As we move on to the South West heats, we’re greeted by a seriously cool trio of chefs. New Zealand-born Jude Kereama runs Kota restaurant in Portleven, Cornwall. He’s back for another go after competing in 2015 and 2016.
Last year’s regional champion, Tom Brown has just opened his own restaurant, Cornerstone in Hackney. He’s completely rocking the hipster chef look with a hint of chunky forearm that’s inked to perfection, the obligatory ginger beard and a subtle artisan dark grey apron that’s bound to feature in Farrow & Ball’s next colour chart.
Denied her place in the judging chamber this week was newcomer Olivia Barry. Having worked under the eagle eye of Angela Hartnett, she’s now chef-patron at Adelina Yard in Bristol.This week’s veteran chef, the formidable but charming Richard Corrigan asked Olivia if she ‘did time with Angela’ like it was a prison sentence. Olivia laughed nervously like he’d got a little too close to the truth.
Olivia presented some truly delicious plates of food, including a full-English-breakfast-style starter that featured homemade black pudding and a meaty main that included ale-braised ox cheeks and creamy smoked mashed potatoes. Sadly none of her dishes were judged to be ‘banquet worthy’ but I’m sure the Bristol crowds are already queuing to sample her winningly seductive plates of luscious comfort food.
Joining Andi, Matthew and Oliver is guest judge Barbara Childs, a matron in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Barbara is a force to be reckoned with.