Masterchef fan Rosa, in Upper I, met 24-year-old Masterchef: The Professionals 2023 winner Tom Hamblet during the Christmas holidays and learned about his career to date as well as his culinary journey in the competition. She not only enjoyed his dishes which featured in the TV show, but also the unique experience of joining him in the kitchen (at the Camellia restaurant at South Lodge in Sussex) to plate up! He later thanked her on social media for her help and support.

Rosa’s visit was part of a gift experience, where she would enjoy a three-course meal showcasing Tom’s Masterchef journey as part of his three-month residency at the Camellia restaurant where he works alongside his chef father, Lewis. Rosa was the only young guest on that Saturday evening so the staff pulled out all of the stops to make it a memorable event for her. Tom’s dad Lewis took her into the kitchen to watch Tom at work at the pass, who invited Rosa to help him plate-up.

Rosa thoroughly enjoyed it as she loves cooking/baking at home, and has made some showstoppers of her own including fish biriyani, as well as always plays sous chef to her mum!