ADAM REID, head chef at The French by Simon Rogan, is through to the national finals of BBC Two’s Great British Menu.
Adam, from East Manchester, fought off tough competition from Cheshire-born Kim Woodward from the Gordon Ramsay-owned Savoy Grill in Central London, and Liverpool-born Matt Worswick of The Latymer in Surrey (below with Adam) , to be crowned the North West heats winner.
The 31 year-old will go into the finals week along with Michael Bremner, winner of the Scottish heat, South West heat winner Josh Eggleton, and the remainder of the regional winners with a chance to cook for the “Great Britons” at the Palace of Westminster.
Adam wowed regional judge Michelin-starred chef Phil Howard with four stunning dishes including a starter influenced by Indian cuisine, aptly titled, ‘From Pakoras to the Palace’. His main course was roast loin of Cumbrian beef accompanied by roast farm vegetables and ‘beef’ tea. For dessert he produced a ‘Golden Empire’ of Stewed Empire Apple with hazelnut crumble, meadowsweet custard and golden candy apples.
His four course menu then won over the veteran judging panel of critic Matthew Fort; doyenne of British cookery Prue Leith; and acclaimed restaurateur Oliver Peyton, who all gave a perfect 10 to the Golden Apple.
Adam told ToM: “Cooking for Phil was daunting to say the least; someone you’ve looked up to your entire career is now judging your cooking first hand. Fortunately, we were in a different room to the main judges, so I tried to focus on serving them as though they were normal guests, VIPs obviously!
“That point when you’re told you have won the region and got through to the finals week is amazing. After all the sweat and tears it just makes it all worthwhile.”
The latest Great British Menu series began on August 29 and the North West chefs were the third to compete. You can catch Adam in action on BBC iPlayer. Next step for him is the National Finals in the week beginning October 24, when the eight regional winners will compete for a chance to cook at the Great Britons Banquet in the historic House of Commons Members’ Dining Room at The Palace of Westminster.
The ‘Great Britons’ themed feast celebrates the Queen’s 90th birthday and the ordinary people who have been recognised on the Queen’s birthday and New Year’s honours' list or their extraordinary achievements in different walks of life. The French by Simon Rogan was created by chef Simon Rogan, a Great British Menu veteran from previous series who is appearing as a judge in the regional heats.
During the Manchester Food and Drink Festival in October Adam Reid will be hosting his own pop-up restaurant for three days in the Albert Square hub. Buy your tickets here.