Who is chef Cameron MacBeth MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 quarter-finalist?

Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023, which airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Monday 23 October, we find out more about the chefs taking part.

Introducing Cameron MacBeth, Head Chef at Cornerstone Restaurant, Mallaig.

Cameron has worked in the coastal town of Mallaig all his life. Starting out at 17, he now runs the kitchen of his family restaurant, with mum and brother both working front of house.

He previously trained under Donald Mclean and Gary Phillips, as well as doing stages at The Kitchin and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. 

Cameron lives with his partner and two-year-old son.

Name

Cameron MacBeth

AGE

25

Where are you from/where do you live

Scottish Highlands

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Currently runs the kitchen at his family restaurant called the Cornerstone.

Cameron previously trained under Donald Mclean and Gary Phillips, as well as doing stages at The Kitchin and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. 

HOW DID YOU GET INTO COOKING AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

“Food has always been part of my life but I always thought I’d be a football player, like most boys I’m sure! At 18 I was given the opportunity to work as a chef away from home but I found it was too soon after my dad passed away so continued working under Donald until we took the leap to take over the Cornerstone.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COOKING AND ANY INFLUENCES ON IT?

“My dishes are massively inspired by the local fish and produce I’m lucky to have on my doorstep. Local fishermen bring in fish daily and I base my menus around this. At the restaurant we have to create dishes that can be executed quickly, as every day The Hogwarts Express train stops off in the village and we have about an hour to serve as many people as possible! In a way this is good practice for MasterChef: The Professionals! I’d say my food is seasonal, refined and fresh - celebrating Scotland and amazing produce.”

WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS?

“When the restaurant is closed in the winter I like to go and do Stages in other restaurants to grow and learn as a chef. The MasterChef experience is another way of learning and being around fantastic chefs. I embrace the challenge."

"I’m very excited that this is a part of my journey so early on in my career because I intend to keep growing and learning as a chef."

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“Any time I’m not at work I spend with my girlfriend and my little boy. It’s hard fitting in family life with chef life so it’s important to prioritise that. I love running, fishing and really enjoy golf too, so that will occasionally creep into my days off - if there’s time.”