Who is chef Lauren Shimmin MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 contestant?

This week sees the final round of heats in this year’s MasterChef: The Professionals 2024, which next airs on Monday, November 18 at 9pm.

Introducing Lauren Shimmin, head chef at The Tailor’s House in Ballygawley.

Long-term chef Lauren from Northern Ireland worked her way up from commis chef, becoming a head chef for the first time in 2012.

NAME

Lauren Shimmin

AGE

36

WHERE ARE YOU FROM/WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Lauren has been a chef for 20 years. She grew up Bangor with her parents and younger brother. She currently lives above the restaurant where she works in Ballygawley and has a fiancée, Nicola.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

After finishing school at 16, Lauren went on to do a Level 2 NVQ in Professional Cookery at Newtownards Technical College. Her first kitchen job was at Jenny Watts, in Bangor. She worked her way up to her first head chef role at Groomsport Inn, Bangor and continued to work across Northern Ireland until two years ago when she took on her current role at The Tailor’s House as their head chef.

WHO AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A CHEF?

“My mother and grandmother weren't the best of cooks, and I loved to eat so, as soon as I was able, I was cooking dinner every day after school. I learnt through enjoying eating and it all started from there.”

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

“I am all about flavour. I love to cure and brine meats. I concentrate a lot on getting the balance correct and bringing out the best of the ingredients. I’ve really developed my own style over the last few years. I’d say it’s modern Irish with a focus on seasonality, locality with some playful twists.”

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

“I have been cooking a long time and I just feel really settled in where I am now. I’ve really shaped the food and the menu and it’s doing well so that has given me the confidence to apply. I feel like, why not!”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“Other than cooking, I love walking, the gym, music, family, and reading. I love exploring Ireland and the old buildings it has. I’m fascinated by history and stories of who lived in different places and buildings.”