Great British Menu 2018 chefs - Jude Kereama, South West heat

Meet the Great British Menu 2018 chefs from the South West: Jude Kereama

• Find out about all of the Great British Menu 2018 chefs here
• Read more about Great British Menu 2018 here

This year Jude Kereama takes on Tom Brown and Olivia Barry in a bid to make it through to the Great British Menu 2018 banquet which celebrates 70 years of the National Health Service. This year’s brief is to create celebratory and heartfelt dishes in tribute to the heroic staff of the NHS.

Having competed previously in 2015 and 2016, it is fair to say this is not Jude Kereama's first Great British Menu rodeo. The talented New Zealander runs the 2 AA rosette Kota and Kota Kai in Cornwall. Having trained under the acclaimed chef Simon Gault, Jude moved to the UK from New Zealand in 1996. He spent many years working in London at a variety of top restaurants before making the move to Cornwall. Kota earned its recognition in the form of 2AA rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand, due to Jude’s take on classic seafood with a twist. the restaurant has also been named in the Top 50 Summer Restaurants in Britain.

Why did you want to take part in Great British Menu again?

It’s the best competition around. I have met great friends and I have unfinished business - I want to prove to myself that I can compete and do well.

This years’ theme is celebrating the 70^th anniversary of the NHS – how easy was it for you to come up with dishes to be served at the anniversary banquet?

It was interesting  – the NHS is a great organisation and I wanted to support them. We all use it and I had to go with my personal experience and hopefully, they are worthy dishes to celebrate the NHS.

What does the NHS mean to you and how rewarding is it to possibly cook your food for these incredible individuals?

Gosh, from the birth of my son to my wife being very ill and they nursed her back to health. I think we are lucky to have the NHS and there is nothing like it in the world. We need to get behind it, support it and it was incredibly important to put my point across – how we should be celebrating them and to make dishes that are worthy of them.

How difficult is it to cook in the Great British Menu kitchen alongside other chefs?

It’s never nice to cook against anyone in a competition but cooking with Tom and Olivia was really nice - Tom is a great guy and Olivia is lovely. I tried to have a real laugh as it’s intense pressure in there, but the more pressure I am under – the more I giggle!

You have previously competed in Great British Menu - how does this year’s competition compare?

I think it’s very much the same – they have a new crew, but it’s the same kitchen and the same pressure!

Do you feel that your previous experience in Great British Menu is an advantage?

I thought having competed before would be an advantage – but no! 

What was the best part about being on Great British Menu 2018?

The level of competition was so high from the others and that was great to be a part of. Three chefs that were on top of their game but that had three completely different styles – it was fantastic to see!

Were there any negative parts to being on Great British Menu?

There were no negative parts for me – I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it. If you don’t push yourself, you don’t know. If you do well on Great British Menu – you can do anything! 

How did you find the criticism and being judged?

If I thought they didn’t quite get it – I would pipe up, but I have to say I haven’t had that experience yet. 

Were you more nervous about being judged by the veteran chef or the judges?

It’s always the chefs, isn’t it?! They are the ones that have been there and done it and have been on top of their game for many years. You have to respect that they have done it all before.

Do you have any standout memories during your time on Great British Menu?

We had an excellent veteran judge who is probably one of the most revered -  he really enjoyed the food and was positive.

Would you take part in Great British Menu again?

Who knows?! I said after the last one ‘that’s it for me' but never say never! I could be tempted again – it is slightly addictive! I feel very proud to be picked and to represent the South West.

Would you encourage your peers, colleagues and chef friends to take part in a competition like Great British Menu?

I would tell them to go for it – it really does put you on the map and helps fill your restaurant. It is tough, and you have got to have nerves of steel, but to cook with the friends that I have made – it’s brilliant and such a great experience. I can only say positive things about it.