Bake Off pair get back in the kitchen
Two Perthshire chefs are embracing the ease of lockdown after starring in Channel 4’s Bake Off:The Professionals.
Theodore Chana and Neil Ramsey, who work in the kitchen for events at Venachar Lochside in Callander, reached week five of the show, taking part in a series of technical challenges against some of the most talented pastry chefs in the country.
Theodore (28), from Braco, and Neil (35), from Crieff, have worked in some of the country’s top kitchens – Neil at Gleneagles Hotel and Wilde Thyme Restaurant, and Theodore at Cromlix House, Gidleigh Park Hotel and Kinloch House Hotel.
Theodore said: “Being a part of one of the world’s toughest pastry competitions put me out of my comfort zone and made me push myself further than I ever have before.
“I love cooking and patisserie. I couldn’t imagine life without it. It’s my passion and I love being creative.
“One of the biggest challenges was definitely creating a showpiece with 10kg of chocolate and using tools such as a spirit level, chisel and a wire brush to build it.
“It was amazing, testing our abilities and working at such a high level against an elite calibre of contestants. The criticism from the judges was hard to take sometimes but we took it on board and worked with it.”
Theodore runs his own catering company alongside assisting with events at Venachar Lochside and says he has had to adapt to a change of pace since filming the series at the beginning of this year.
He explained: “A normal day for me can be 12-20 hours working non-stop in the kitchen so it’s actually been great to wind down due to lockdown.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in the garden. It has made me really appreciate how important it is to have time off.
“However, we have been looking forward to getting back to what we love doing best – getting back to work again, making sumptuous cuisine with local produce from Scotland’s larder, and bringing joy to our customers.”
Venachar Lochside, which is managed by Theodore’s fiancee Meghan Haste, reopened to customers on Monday last week. They have installed marquees for shelter and a one-way system in public areas.
Meghan said: “It has been a really tough few months, being closed with so much unknown, but we have tried to stay positive.
“Despite the stresses lockdown has brought, it has been fantastic to see Theodore and Neil have a chance to show their incredible culinary talents on Bake Off: The Professionals and our fantastic team at the restaurant are really proud of their achievement being selected for the show.”
We have been looking forward to getting back to work, making sumptuous cuisine