Shropshire chef cooking up a storm on TV show
A chef from Shropshire has been cooking up a storm on BBC's Masterchef the Professionals after making it through to the knockout round of the competition.
Josh Donachie, 26, from Shrewsbury, secured his place in the competition's knockout stage with his performance on Thursday night's show.
The sous chef, originally from Ironbridge but now working at Hammet House in Pembrokeshire, said he was overwhelmed at his success on the show.
He said: "It was such an amazing achievement. It was quite overwhelming cooking for restaurant critics and Marcus and Monica.
"It is such an amazing feeling to get my food out there and past the dreaded critic stage."
Josh needed to pass two stages to take his place in the next round with the first being a test of his "invention".
As a way to show his skills he produced a vanilla cheesecake with a strawberry salad, strawberry butter and olive oil and basil crumb, and was described as a "clever chef" for his efforts.
The second round saw Josh asked to cook for some of the country's most discerning restaurant critics, producing a two-course menu of his own design. For his main he cooked halibut with warm tartar and clams with charred cucumber, and a lemon meringue pie soufflé with Douglas Fur custard for dessert.
The dessert received particular praise and Josh said he was thrilled at the positive feedback he had received from the show – particularly Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing, both Michelin Star chefs.
He said: "They have had two stars and it is just amazing getting comments from people you know and respect."
Josh, who cooked at Henry Tudor House in Shrewsbury for a year, said that he had been thrilled to be part of the show.
He said: "I have watched over the years and thought I have to give it a go and see how I fare.
"You see people and think they are doing great stuff and you just want to put your own mark on it.
"When I first set up it was quite scary because you see it on the TV and it is completely different being aware you are getting followed by the camera. Then watching the show is amazing. I'm just happy I am able to be part of it."
Josh said he was now confident that he will be able to compete to win the overall title.
He said: "I have got the credentials. I have had some great comments so I see no reason I won't get on and hopefully bring it back to Shropshire."
