Ellis Barrie 'wouldn't say no' to more TV work after Great British Menu success

Anglesey chef Ellis Barrie would welcome more TV work and is looking forward to what Monday brings after winning through to the final of the Great British Menu.

He won Friday’s make-or-break episode of the popular series against his friend Paul Askew to represent the North-West in this year’s final.

The 27-year-old, who owns Newborough’s Marram Grass restaurant with brother Liam, will now battle it out to cook for a 140th anniversary banquet at Wimbledon in July.

Barrie’s creativity was a hit with judges Matthew Fort, Oliver Peyton, Andi Oliver and guest judge, former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Greg Rusedski.

Last night the chef revealed he would welcome some more TV exposure.

“In terms of TV I don’t know what will come but I wouldn’t say no to going in front of the cameras again,” he told the Daily Post.

“I really enjoyed myself.”

He has been dubbed “the laughing chef” which he puts down to being “real and human and being yourself” but he said he soon forgot about the cameras in the heat of battle.

“You haven’t got your teams around you,” he said.

“We are all in it together here at the Marram Grass but when you’re there you’re on your own.

“I made a really good friend out of Paul Askew. It’s about friendship more than about who is going to win.”

Barrie said the reaction to Friday’s win had been really nice and hinted at a few changes to his winning menu for the final.

“We are getting lots of bookings and people are ringing in – we have got loads of bookings,” he said.

“I keep getting called the laughing chef but it’s nice and calm and people are getting on board with my Great British Menu evening in July.

“There will be a few surprises coming on the back of the judges’ comments with my menu.”

He added: “Life is about living, family, friends and neighbours and then it’s your working ethos. So I’m just keeping calm and ‘Barrying’ on.”

To win through to the final, Ellis had to face a gruelling selection process creating four courses with a summer theme for the judges.

Last 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’ – scoring a perfect 10.

Speaking on Facebook immediately after Friday’s regional final, Ellis 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.”