THE BBC's hit cookery show The Great British Menu will feature the culinary skills of four top chefs from Northern Ireland over the next three weeks.
Kerry Roper, executive chef at Stix & Stones in Belfast, Gemma Austin, chef patron at Belfast cafe A Peculiar Tea, freelance chef John Hollywood and head chef at Shu in Belfast Matt Jordan will battle it out in the kitchen in Tuesday evening's episode as they launch their campaigns to earn a place at the show’s prestigious Final Banquet.
Kerry and co will be creating canapes, starters and fish dishes taking inspiration from British and Irish animation and illustration while attempting to impress the show’s judging panel, Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, restaurateur Nisha Katona, comedian and food podcaster Ed Gamble, plus a guest judge.
“I’m delighted to have been asked to compete in this prestigious competition," says Kerry Roper.
"This year’s theme of British animation is very exciting. It has given me the perfect platform to showcase my culinary creations.
“It would be a tremendous achievement to make the Banquet, but I have my work cut out for me. Going up against the extremely talented Gemma Austin, John Hollywood, and Matt Jordan is no easy task, and we will all be at our very best as we try to impress the judging panel to earn that coveted spot in the finale.”
Meet The Chefs
Matt Jordan - Shu
Newcomer Matt is determined to show off his skills in the GBM competition, having worked in some of the north's most famous kitchens.
Matt worked at the Ledbury for just under two years and has been working at the Michelin-recommended Shu on and off for eight years, where he currently heads up the kitchen. Shu's kitchen has a very high turnover of food - he can do up to 200 covers on some services.
A self-confessed 'control freak', Matt wants every plate that leaves the kitchen to be of a high standard. His food is seasonal, clean on the plate, and packed with as much flavour as possible. Everything on the plate must taste amazing, and work together.
Matt is ultra-competitive and hopes his menu is a winning one. He is paying homage to the Irish video game industry which has produced games like the MegaDrive classic Earthworm Jim, created by Lisburn-born game developer David Perry.
John Hollywood - freelance and development Chef
Newcomer John started his career in much-loved Ormeau Road cafe Graffitti and has been working in kitchens ever since.
Eighteen years later, John has worked in some of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland, helping to establish The Muddlers Club which attained a Michelin star. He then decided to branch out into Asian cuisine and techniques in Yugo, and helped open up its sister restaurant Yugo East during the pandemic.
John left Belfast and moved to Bangor where he became head chef at The Boat House. This is where he developed his own style, always using local ingredients. He has a forager working with him who sometimes delivers unusual ingredients – John enjoys the challenge of using these to develop new dishes.
Recently, John has decided to go out on his own, developing products for suppliers he has met and may possibly offer private dining in people homes in the future.
His menu takes inspiration from Irish animation like Cartoon Saloon's The Secret of Kells, celebrating Irish folklore and mystique.
Gemma Austin - A Peculiar Tea
Gemma is returning for her third consecutive year in the GBM kitchen. Having impressed with her dessert last year, she is determined more than ever to represent Northern Ireland at the Banquet.
Gemma followed in the footsteps of her mother, who worked as a chef in a local Belfast restaurant and helped mould her love of cooking.
Gemma worked full time at a variety of establishments, working her way through kitchens, including commis chef to sous chef of a two-rosette kitchen. She worked at the five-star Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast where she rose to head pastry chef, before moving to luxury hotel The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn where she worked all the sections, eventually becoming sous chef.
Gemma opened her own restaurant, A Peculiar Tea, serving themed dinners and afternoon teas in Belfast, offering diners a temporary escape from ‘the real world.’ To make sure her dishes are memorable, she often engages all five of the senses, and will send dishes out with music and aromas of things that relate to the plating.
Gemma’s menu celebrates the award-winning animations of Newry-born Cartoon Saloon co-founder Tomm Moore such as Songs of the Sea and Wolfwalkers.
Kerry Roper - Stix and Stones
Newcomer Kerry was born in London but, having lived in Northern Ireland for the past 12 years, she sees it as the only place she calls home.
Having previously worked with Michelin starred chef Danni Barry, as head chef and development chef at Stix and Stones in Belfast she enjoys using her creativity to create delicious food and visually pleasing plates.
Kerry describes her style as 'evolving'. Though she may have more to learn than some seasoned chefs, she’s prepared to showcase her skills, and challenge herself to outwork others. She prides herself on using good produce and food that is cooked well.
Her dishes takes inspiration from Belfast-bred illustrator Oliver Jeffers and his illustrations in The Day the Crayons Quit.
:: Kerry, Gemma, John and Matt will enter The Great British Menu kitchen on Tuesday March 14 at 8pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
