Grandma was my inspiration, says MasterChef finalist

Date published: 20 April 2015


MasterChef finalist Simon Wood has revealed his greatest food inspiration was his gran!

Simon told the Chronicle his love of food is down to his grandma Bertha, who would cook up hearty Northern grub that he was always eager to try.

The 38-year-old data science manager said: “When I went to her house I’d get lots of different things to eat, like tripe and rabbit.

“I think eating those helped me to develop a varied palate and basically be open to try anything.”

Simon is vying to become the best amateur cook in the country as “MasterChef 2015” comes to an end this week.

“It’s been brilliant; something I never dreamed I would achieve,” he said. “Whatever happens it’s a good springboard for me to do something more with what I love doing. I’ve always wanted to write a cookery book or maybe even teach cookery, who knows.”

Tonight the father-of-four is one of five finalists who will cook a five-course dinner at Cambridge’s Churchill College, marking the 50th anniversary of the great prime minister’s death.

Among the guests are his grandchildren Celia Sandys, and great-grandson, Randolph.

“We get to work under chef Michael Caines, one of a handful of British chefs to have had two Michelin stars for over 15 years,” said Simon. “To be tutored and guided by someone like that is such an amazing and unique opportunity.”

If he makes it through we’ll see him travel to Sweden in Wednesday’s episode, before the four become three and face the iconic and terrifying “Chefs’ Table” challenge on Thursday.

Friday sees the climax of the competition and announcement of the overall winner.