Chester chefs to clash for Comic Relief

Chester-based chefs Ben Finchett and Brad Lean will lead two teams in a cooking battle to raise money for Comic Relief.

Marco Pierre White’s head chef Finchett and Lean, executive head chef at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotels, have both created special menus to serve at Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse, Bar and Grill on Thursday, 14 March. The chef and team with the most orders on the night will be declared the winner.

Comic Relief will benefit to the tune of 10 per cent of the total sales from both menus. Additionally, the following evening, the hotel will donate a further 10 per cent from a special Comic Relief three-course table d’hôte menu within Marco’s and the hotel’s brasserie restaurant.

“This is supposed to be for Comic Relief, but there is nothing funny about Ben and Brad’s rivalry – you can nearly taste the competitive tension in the kitchens at the moment,” remarked food and beverage manager Jane Stoneman.

“It’s going to be a fun night with some great food. We hope to raise plenty of cash for Comic Relief to help with the amazing work it supports at home and abroad.”

Ben Finchett commented: “I’m confident Team Blue has the best menu but I just hope my side can take the heat. I know it’s for Comic Relief but if we don’t win I won’t be laughing.”

Brad Lean added: “We’re delighted to support Comic Relief but, after all, this is a competition and Team Red will win. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to delight customers dining from my menu and Ben will be laughing on the other side of his face.”