Pub Masterchef a recipe for success

A PUB has uncovered culinary stars among its own customers after a unique take on a hit BBC cooking show.

The King William pub, Greenfield, organised its very own version of “Masterchef” starring its locals — and the budding Gordon Ramseys were soon cooking up restaurant-quality dishes.

Banter at the bar with regulars who enjoy cooking led to the idea of organising the competition.

It began with 16 locals, who paid £10 to take part, competing two at a time against each other for three months while the kitchen was closed for business on Monday and Tuesday nights until only two remained for the grand final.

In the first round, contestants had to prepare a meal using ingredients they bought for £10, the second round featured themed food, in the third round the chefs had to rustle something up with ingredients given to them and the final featured a three-course meal with a £15 budget.

Fellow regulars, including two who are professionally trained, judged the dishes on presentation and taste to choose a winner.

Landlord Andrew Lilley said: “I have never heard of it done before in a pub.

But it soon caught on and you would not believe how many people in the pub can cook. We had three judges every night and the locals were really involved. The standard was excellent.

“One of the judges said the majority of the dishes could have easily gone on sale in a top restaurant.

“It definitely worked and we will do it again.”

The final saw barrister Rob Kearney triumph over Martin Gray to win the Masterchef title and the prize of catering equipment up to the value of £160, the total of the entry proceeds.

Anyone wishing to take part in the next competition can call the pub on 01457 873933.