MasterChef finalist leaves restaurant where he made name
BIRMINGHAM MasterChef finalist Stu Deeley has left the acclaimed Jewellery Quarter restaurant where he made his name as head chef.
Mr Deeley has impressed Masterchef: The Professionals judges – Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace – with his culinary skills on the BBC series, earning him a coveted place in the finals this week.
But the 28-year-old has now announced he will leave The Wilderness restaurant, set up by owner Alex Claridge.
Mr Claridge, who launched the short-lived Bennetts Hill restaurant Nocturnal Animals in November 2018 before walking away from the project a year later, said he was thankful for Mr Deeley’s support during that time.
Mr Claridge said: “It is without exaggeration to say that this man has been a brother and we have had some truly brilliant and terrible times together.
“Stu’s support has been steadfast through his time here and particularly the last year which, with Nocturnal Animals challenges, has not been the easiest year to be my friend or colleague. I give thanks for all of it. He has elevated what my restaurant does and cemented our reputation as a serious place to eat – delivering three rosettes this year. He is talented, hard-working and, above all else, a decent bloke.
“When he approached me earlier this year and asked whether he could compete on MasterChef I knew the risk. In the last three years we have now had two strong contestants excel in Masterchef.
“It brings immense opportunities for any young chef and as any restaurant supporting their journey is aware, the MasterChef effect may well propel them to new worlds. Accordingly, it is with both immense pride tinged with sadness that I announce Stu will be leaving us to pursue those opportunities.”
Throughout his MasterChef journey, former Halesowen college student Mr Deeley won praise for his inventive and intriguing dishes.
In the quarter finals, his Brum spiced lamb faggots, minted mushy peas, crispy potatoes and Bank’s Bitter lamb gravy had judge Marcus Wareing describe it as the “dish of the day... incredible”.
Mr Deeley said: “It’s been a rollercoaster ride, with us quite often fighting against multiple challenges at one time. But the main thing is we came out the other side with the best result we could. It’s been a pleasure and I won’t be too far away.”
Mr Deeley lives in Birmingham with his partner Natasha and their son Jack. He studied at Halesowen College and worked at Michelinstarred Simpsons Restaurant, in Edgbaston.
His first official job after The Wilderness is a six-course New Year’s Eve tasting-menu with Sauce Supper Club at Carbis Bay Estate, in St Ives, Cornwall.
Former Birmingham MasterChef semi-finalists include Simpsons chef Leo Kattou as well as fellow Wilderness chef Louisa Ellis, who went on to reach the 2017 final.