MasterChef: The Professionals 2019 winner Stu Deeley is to open a new restaurant in the city early next year – after months of delays due to Covid.
The former chef at The Wilderness will launch the eatery in Edgbaston, giving Brummies the chance to eat the same food that wowed MasterChef judges.
It will be situated in the Chad Square shopping precinct opposite The White Swan pub and restaurant on Harborne Road.
The spacious new eatery, which has not yet been officially named, will take over two units next to Don Diego Spanish restaurant.
Stu’s plans for fulfilling his dream of running his own restaurant were massively delayed by the Covid lockdown earlier this year.
(Image: Sanjeeta Bains)
He said: “It has been a very frustrating time, but it’s been a struggle for everyone in hospitality.
“I will be very happy to finally be able to open.”
Stu first revealed plans to open his own place last December after being crowned 2019 champion – impressing judges Monica Galetti, Gregg Wallace and Marcus Warein g.
On the show Michelin-starred chef Marcus described his food as “daring” while renowned chef Monica said that he was the “complete package”.
Speaking to BirminghamLive at the time, the Brummie chef said: “Now is the right time for me to start working for myself with my own restaurant.
“I will cook food that pays homage to Birmingham and its international influences – food I’ve cooked on MasterChef and at The Wilderness.
“I’ve been writing The Wilderness menus and creating the dishes over the last two years and have been able to develop my own style, which has helped.”
(Image: Sanjeeta Bains)
Stu is currently cooking from Simpsons in Edgbaston – heading up his chef mentor Andreas Antona’s Antona at Home takeaway and delivery kitchen.
Diners at his new Chad Square restaurant can look forward to dishes such as pork belly, black pudding, braised fennel, fennel puree, yuzu gel and langoustine, and miso cheesecake.
Stu’s partner Natasha Shorthouse will be front of house at the planned eatery.
Natasha told us: “Stuart and I are hoping to make it a great local restaurant.”
The yet to be named eatery will join fellow fine dining neighbourhood restaurant Harborne Kitchen, helmed by Jamie Desogus.
