Who is chef Callum MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 contestant?

Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2024, which airs on BBC One from Tuesday, October 29 at 8pm, we find out more about the chefs taking part.

 Introducing Callum, head chef at The Bookshop in Hereford.

 Head chef Callum, 37, was born in Cambridge and works in Herefordshire.

Name

Callum

AGE

37

Where are you from/where do you live

Callum was born in Cambridge and now lives and works in Hereford.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Callum did a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Professional Cookery at Cambridge Regional College and completed an apprenticeship at The Pink Geranium restaurant. Early on in his career, he worked at Le Gavroche in London for a year and then moved on to restaurants, including Northcote in Blackburn and The Oak Inn in Ledbury. Callum now works at The Bookshop in Hereford.

WHO AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A CHEF?

“I didn’t grow up with much experience of food. I didn’t have a fresh piece of fish until I was 16. I was also an active child and I remember my dad saying to me I’d make a great chef. He thought it would channel my energy. I went to a catering college as part of my school’s work experience and just loved it, so I decided to pursue it as a career.”

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

“The current kitchen I work in is more brasserie style - lots of meat, fish and seasonal dishes. I personally love this style but also the more classical French dishes. I’m not about foams, and tuille-y things. It’s nice but I’m about everyday food.”

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

“I’m approaching 40 and I thought, it’s time to give MasterChef a go! I’d love to test my skills and I’d also love to show my kids I can do it. One day I’d love to own my own restaurant where my eldest son can join me in the kitchen.” ut there.”and influences as well as receiving critiques, will help to set me on my future path.” 

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“With four children, I want to spend as much time as I can with them. It’s hard juggling chef life with dad life, but I’m a hands on parent and love spending time with them.”