WIRRAL YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR: Riverhill Hotel apprentice Greg Lockwood ready to take on Wirral Young Chef of the Year challenge

Oct 24 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR: Riverhill Hotel apprentice Greg Lockwood ready to take on Wirral Young Chef of the Year challenge

GREG Lockwood has just started his career – but he’s learning from the best and loving every minute.

The 21-year-old from Upton is in a position most aspiring young chefs can only dream of – as apprentice to Masterchef: The Professionals winner Claire Lara.

Under the tutelage of Claire and her husband Marc at the Riverhill Hotel in Oxton, he is turning his hand to everything from pasta to pastry.

After 10 months in the job, his first chance to put his new-found skills to the test will be as a finalist in Wirral Young Chef Of The Year.

Greg, who went to Woodchurch High School and Birkenhead Sixth Form College, was about to go to university to study business when he realised life behind a desk wasn’t for him.

He said: “I come from a big family. I’ve got three brothers and I started cooking at home. It’s something I’ve always done.

“I still can’t believe I’m working here and I feel like I’ve come a long way in a short space of time.”

Greg had a spell as a kitchen porter and planned to study catering at college – but after a conversation with trainer Maggie Rimmer, he learned Claire was looking for an apprentice.

A trial day in the kitchen followed – and he was picked for his dream job.

He said: “It’s like another family and I love working here.

“For the competition Claire has advised me not to focus on what other people are doing and keep calm.

“I’ve kept my menu very simple and local. It’s all about the flavours.

“I’m focusing on learning as much as I can and I’m loving every minute.”

l WIRRAL Young Chef Of The Year – supported by Wirral Council, Liverpool Community College and Wirral Met College – is on Tuesday, November 6 at the Riverhill Hotel,in Talbot Road, Oxton. The cost of the three-course meal is £18.95. To book call 653 3773.