The Masterchef: The Professionals 2013 winner and English wine advocate plans two exciting projects this summer
Chef Steven Edwards is set to spoil foodies this summer with two exciting projects, which will see him cooking and entertaining guests at venues in both East and West Sussex.
In June, he has invited fellow MasterChef: The Professionals winners to take over the kitchen at etch, his 3 AA rosettes and Michelin Plate-winning restaurant in Hove, where they will together host three socially-distanced dinners.
The takeovers will kick start with the winner of last year’s series, Alex Webb, described by chef judge Marcus Wareing as “the future of the industry”, on June 28, followed by Laurence Henry, who won the title in 2018 and shares Edwards’ passion for using ingredients sourced exclusively from local farms and markets, on June 29.
The second ever MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Steve Groves, who took part in the competition in 2009, will join the etch kitchen on Wednesday June 30. Guests will be treated to seven courses with opportunities to meet with each guest chef.
“Winning MasterChef: The Professionals was a career-changing moment,” says Edwards. “Not only did it push my creativity and determination to the limit but it gave me the opportunity to showcase my skills and receive feedback from some of the world’s most respected chefs. 2020 devastated our industry but we have to believe that we will rise again.
“With the MasterChef: The Professionals dinners I want to give the chefs a new platform to show off their amazing food and to bring back the joys of discovering new food styles to our guests.”
Back where it began
Following the trio of takeovers, Edwards will be heading back to his former stomping ground, South Lodge, in Horsham, where he will take on an eight-week residency at The Pass, while etch undergoes a major refurb.
Steven first started work at The Pass in 2008 when it was a newly opened restaurant. He began as a chef de partie under the guidance of renowned Michelin-starred chef Matt Gillan and progressed to sous chef, before becoming head chef of the hotel’s second restaurant the Camellia.
The 2021 takeover, which runs from Friday July 2 until Sunday August 29, will have the same tasting menu ethos as etch. with frequently changing dishes that celebrate the very best of Sussex produce and seasonal ingredients. Etch famously has a English-only sparkling wine menu.
“The South Lodge team were hugely supportive and inspirational to me in my early career and it will be so special to be back in the kitchen,” says Edwards “As we look to an exciting new era at etch. it’s fantastic to be returning to a place so instrumental to my success to showcase my own cooking style.”
You can book a place at The MasterChef The Professionals dinners (£85pp) here.
To book a seat at Steven Edwards at The Pass, which will have five, seven and nine courses available (£65, £75 and £95 respectively), visit https://www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge/restaurants-bars/the-pass/
