Stu Deeley, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2019 secures site for his first restaurant in Birmingham

Stuart 'Stu' Deeley, winner of last year's MasterChef: The Professionals competition has found a site for his inaugural restaurant, which he hopes to open in the beginning of next year. 

The former head chef at The Wilderness left his position after appearing on the BBC Programme, having announced plans to open his own restaurant. However, due to the pandemic, he put his plans on hold and joined his former boss and mentor, Simpsons chef Andreas Antona at the helm of his fine dining delivery operation. 

At long last, the chef told Birmingham Live that he and his fiancé Natasha Shorthouse, who will oversee the front of house operations, have secured a site, which they hope to open early next year.

Located in Edgebaston, a neighborhood south west of Birmingham city centre, the site is a short drive from Brad Carter's Michelin-starred Carters of Moseley.

He said: "It has been a very frustrating time, but it's been a struggle for everyone in hospitality.

"I will be very happy to finally be able to open."

The restaurant will be Stu's chance to showcase his unique twist on Birmingham classics drawing on the city's Asian influences which saw him triumph in the BBC competition last year - think dishes like the one he presented to the chef's table, which featured crispy pork belly, a Thai bisque, black pudding and langoustines .

The chef speaks highly of his experience on MasterChef: The Professionals, despite the initial pressure entering the judge's chamber and meeting Monica Galetti, Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace for the first time.

He said: “I think TV is great for the industry, I think people like to see what happens behind the scenes because not every kitchen is open. MasterChef is a great platform which recognises young talent and helps them make a break for themselves.

“I’ve always struggled with self-belief, I even struggled to believe I was good enough to do the head chef role at The Wilderness. I struggled with knowing if I’m going in the right direction so winning for me gave me the confidence of knowing I am doing a good job.

“It was such an overwhelming experience and I felt so proud of myself.”