A chef working in Co Derry is about to fight for his place to represent Northern Ireland at an esteemed banquet in BBC's Great British Menu.
Stephen Hope is the chef at Dawsons Restaurant in Castledawson. He will be one of the four chefs representing Northern Ireland and showcasing the best of their cooking abilities.
In a social media video, Stephen said: "I would say my dishes are original, creative, and they are all very unique. It would mean everything for me to get to the banquet.
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"I put a lot of work into it. It would make me proud, I think it would make my daughter proud as well so I’m going to give it my all."
Stephen previously won I reland Senior Chef of the Year aged 22 before running his own kitchen at Dawsons.
Stephen will be one of the newcomers to enter the Great British Menu kitchen, alongside newcomer Marty Mc Adam from The Street Kitchen.
This week will see the return of two familiar chefs into the kitchen, Chris McClurg from Paul Ainsworth at No6 and Gemma Austin from Belfast’s A Peculiar Tea.
For Stephen, the Great British Menu will help him to captivate an audience with his cooking skills.
The BBC show helped another Derry chef propel his career.
Phelim O'Hagan took part in the Great British Menu, which gave him the skills and confidence he needed to open a fine dining restaurant, Artis, in Derry's Craft Village.
The Northern Ireland chef's will enter the Great British Menu kitchen on Tuesday, March 22, at 8pm.
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