Great British Menu 2019 Chefs – Luke Selby

This year, Luke Selby takes on the Great British Menu, cooking and competing through heats in the London & South East region to earn the right to cook at an exquisite banquet, held at – Abbie Road Studios. With Angela Hartnett.  judging the dishes being served – They will be honouring the stars and heroes of the music industry from the 60’s to the present day.

Luke is the current head chef of HIDE love 1* in Mayfair.

We spoke to Chef Luke to find out more about her experience on the BBC2 show…

What was the reason in taking part on the Great British Menu?

It’s a show that I’ve always watched and wanted to go on – especially to compete in the London and the south East region!

Is there a way to handle the criticism from the judges?

I think it’s important to know how to handle criticism in general, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Ultimately it’s a cooking competition and at the end of the day you have to expect to receive criticism from the judges – it’s how you interpret that and use it, which is what’s important.

What is the atmosphere like in the kitchen cooking alongside two other chefs?

I can only speak for the heats I cooked in with Ben Perilla and Paul Walsh, but we had a great atmosphere and mutual respect for each other. It was an absolute pleasure cooking alongside them both.

This year’s theme is celebrating Britains extraordinary contribution to pop music – What is your approach to the imagination & creation to your dishes?

What I tried to do was create dishes based around iconic moments in British music. I was very conscious with starting with flavour first and not going ‘prop heavy’.

What does the theme mean to you and what would it meant for you to cook at the banquet?

It’s a great theme for me. I love music and have been fortunate enough to be able to learn and play a few instruments. I have played the violin classically for over 10 years and also guitar.

What is your greatest accomplishment during your time on the Great British Menu so far?

It would have to be getting Angela Hartnetts first ever 10 on the show for my lobster dish!

Were there any down sides during your time on the Great British Menu?

No.

Would you take part again if the opportunity was to come around & would there be anything you would change?

I would love to take part again. Although I was running SO much – I’d probably give myself a little less to do next time around though!