Who is chef Rosie Patenall 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 Rosie Patenall, Chef Patron at Rye, East Sussex.

Rosie runs her own café in Rye, and lives in Romney Marsh with her 3-year-old son.

After finishing university, Rosie worked as a chalet chef in the French Alps, then returned to her home county of Kent. Rosie worked in local restaurants to gain experience before opening up her own place.

Name

Rosie Patenall

AGE

34

Where are you from/where do you live

Romney Marsh in Kent / Rye in East Sussex

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

While she doesn’t have formal training, Rosie has learnt on the job. She spent three years out in Meribel, then worked her way up in local restaurants before opening up her own café, The Fig, eight years ago. She also recently did a stage at one of her local Michelin-starred restaurants, The Fordwich Arms.

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

“My dad is a farmer so growing up we were around animals and produce all the time. I did a great little cooking course when I was 18, but it was really just for fun before going off to study Fine Art at Leeds University. It was only when I went to do ski seasons that I really fell in love with cooking and it spiralled from there.”

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

“I used to save all my money from working during ski season and then go off travelling. Having visited places in Southeast Asia, Russia, South America, India and Nepal, my experiences there all massively inspired my cooking. Flavour and taste are always the most important to me, as well as not being bound by a certain cuisine. My style is delicious, hearty, feel-good food inspired by my travels.”

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

“I have no idea why I applied, honestly! I’m now seriously questioning it! I know I’ll be up against some serious chefs who have been formally trained and with a tonne more experience. I just hope that my food can hold its own when it comes to flavour. Doing a competition like this really pushes me way beyond my comfort zone.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“I am one of seven, so spending time with family and friends is important. I love nothing more than a big Sunday lunch surrounded by special people, that’s what makes me happy. Travelling is up there with cooking when it comes to my loves. Visiting new places and being amongst new cultures is so important and has helped shape me as a person."