2 weeks Ago
A Michelin-starred chef has reached the finals of a popular BBC cooking show. Jean Delport, the Executive Chef of Restaurant Interlude in Horsham, will compete in the finals week of the 20th-anniversary series of Great British Menu. He impressed the judges with a creative and deeply personal menu inspired by historical figures from the past of London and the South East.
In this landmark year for the prestigious BBC Two culinary competition, Jean’s signature storytelling approach earned him top scores in the London and South East heat, including a perfect 10/10 for his dessert and high praise from two-Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, who said of his main course: "This is one of the most exciting dishes I’ve seen in a long, long time." Jean will now compete against the UK’s top chefs in finals week for the chance to serve a dish at the banquet, held this year at the historic Blenheim Palace. (Image: Restaurant Interlude) The chef’s multi-course tasting menu drew on the rich history of London and the South East, with each dish honouring a remarkable historical figure.
This included a starter inspired by local 19th-century botanist William Borrer, a main course inspired by abolitionist Charles Ignatius Sancho, and a dessert inspired by Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Professor Snape in Harry Potter. Speaking about his journey on the show, Jean said: "It’s an incredible honour to take part in Great British Menu, especially in such a landmark year for the competition. "The brief allowed me to draw on the rich history of London and the South East, while staying true to my style of cooking—elevating ingredients from the land around us and telling a story through my dishes.
"I’m thrilled to have reached the finals and to have competed alongside such talented chefs." Jean represented the region alongside Eran Tibi (Kapara and Bala Baya), Eve-Marie Seemann (Apricity), and Jason Howard (Modern Caribbean Chef). The show, hosted by Andi Oliver, features judges Tom Kerridge, food broadcaster Ed Gamble, and Michelin-starred chef Lorna McNee, a former Champion of Champions.
Restaurant Interlude, which is in Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Brighton Road, Horsham, achieved a Michelin Star in 2019. The restaurant offers a seasonal tasting menu, which features ingredients foraged from the gardens as well as meat from the estate. Jean Delport moved to the UK from South Africa, where he ran the kitchens of Restaurant Jardine in Stellenbosch.
Finals Week runs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (24th-28th March)..
