Ryan aims to put success on menu in TV challenge
AN acclaimed chef from Stockport is set to represent the North West in the latest series of The Great British Menu.
The BBC’s ultimate culinary show returned to television screens a few weeks ago, and follows a group of top chefs as they go head-tohead to secure a place at the illustrious Great British Menu Banquet.
The show sees chefs from eight different regions design a four-course menu, plus snacks and predessert, with the aim of winning the regional round.
This year’s theme is based around the Olympics and Paralympics, with dishes being tried and tested by a panel of esteemed judges including acclaimed chef Tom Kerridge, restaurateur Nisha Katona and Comedian Ed Gamble.
Last week, the show, which has returned for its 19th run, headed to the North West of England and some may recognise one of the chef’s and the restaurant taking part.
A Stockport native, Ryan Stafford, the executive chef at Fold Bistro & Bottle Shop in Marple Bridge was due to star alongside three other North West-based chefs in the hope of making it all the way to the final banquet.
Born and Bred in Marple, where the restaurant is located, the Stockport native graduated from the prestigious Cordon Bleu programme and has gained experience working for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver.
He has over 22 years’ experience cooking around the world, and has even worked as a private chef for A-list celebrities and dignitaries including Anthony Joshua and The Ritchie family, as well as US presidents and royal families.
Returning to his hometown in 2022, he helped launch and is the executive chef at Fold Bistro, a contemporary restaurant and bottle stop located in the picturesque village of Marple Bridge.
The riverside dining spot is known for its locally sourced and seasonally focused sharing plates that pay homage to the North West region.
In a teaser clip shared to the Great British Menu’s
Instagram page, Ryan can be seen walking down Town Street in Marple Bridge, with a voiceover from Andi Oliver introducing the chef.
In the short clip, Ryan explains: “My culinary journey started in London working under great chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, [and] I’ve worked in Michelin restaurants and travelled the world.
“The vibe here at Fold is about accessible dining, an experience that we’re trying to create where everybody’s welcome if you come here you can expect to eat fun, exciting, showcase dishes.”
Describing what the culinary competition means to him as a chef, he adds: “Great British Menu to me, means the world. I’ve watched many of my idols come through the kitchens here. When I received the brief I couldn’t have be more excited I mean look at the Olympics - power, glory, winning, success, triumph, what more could you want?”
One of the restaurant’s most loved dishes is the Lamb ‘Hot Pot’ of braised shoulder, Boddington’s gravy, honey made in Mellor just up the road and fazzoletti pasta sheets. Tapping into Northern and nostalgic flavours, other highlights include venison with juniper, blackberry, chicory and liquorice, and desserts like the Jammy Dodger with strawberry shortbread and fermented honey parfait.
Describing his cuisine as ‘modern European,’ with nods to Italian and Asian flavours, Ryan crafts dishes inspired by all his travels, and using only the best of seasonal ingredients.
In 2008, Ryan decided to challenge himself and took part in MasterChef UK, reaching the semi-final. He was also awarded the title of Young Chef of the Year award: Gastronomy by the Seine, Paris in the same year.
The top chef was due to go up against Liverpoolborn chef Andy Sheridan who owns Restaurant 8, a restaurant which has been rated one of the top 10 dining experiences by The Times Magazine.
They were joined by Blackburn-born chef Kirk Haworth - the first ever plant-based chef to have taken part in the BBC television competition - and Nina Matsunaga who helms the kitchen a The Black Bull in Sedbergh, a beautiful pub on the edge of the Lake District which holds two AA Rosettes and is a UK Top 50 Gastropub.