Anglesey chef makes it to the final of the Great British Menu

Anglesey chef Ellis Barrie has made it through to represent the North-West in the final of the Great British Menu.

The self-taught culinary artisan, 27, overcame stiff competition from challenger Paul Askew to win over the judges with his unique creations.

Barrie, who owns the Marram Grass restaurant with brother Liam in Newborough, is now in line for a chance to cook for a special banquet at Wimbledon to celebrate its 140th year this July.

Judges Matthew Fort, Oliver Peyton, Andi Oliver and guest judge, former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Greg Rusedski, were blown away by the Anglesey chef’s originality.

Speaking on Facebook immediately after the programme had aired, Barrie couldn’t contain his delight.

He said: “So it’s true. Champion of the north west. Thank you all for your support and kind words it’s been amazing.

“I’m going to try and get back to all of you in due time but as you can imagine my social media is going off like a two bob rocket.

“But I love you all and thanks again xx.”

To win through he had to face a gruelling selection process which exposed four of his dishes to some of the most seasoned palates of the food critic world.

The theme for the dishes was summer and he blended an array of flavours together to produce a light and refreshing menu.

Although hearts were in mouths when his main dish, Fred Perry’s Pork Tie, was criticised for being a little uninspiring.

However his overall menu won the day and he is one round nearer to the amazing, one-off opportunity afforded the winner.

On Tuesday the 27-year-old was hailed a “real talent” by judge Daniel Clifford, who has two Michelin stars, for his dish inspired by summer holidays on Anglesey, ‘You Cannot Be Searious’.

It scored a perfect 10 out of 10, with its original mix of cucumber, raw oyster and avocado flavours.

Since Ellis has appeared on the show there has been a huge amount of interest in the Marram Grass restaurant, which he runs with his brother Liam.

Ellis said: “The phones been going off the hook. I’ve had to bring my mum in to help so we have two people on the phones.”

“I am going to be running Great British Menu nights that start in July and run throughout the summer.”