Former Masterchef finalist appointed head chef at Flitwick Manor

Steve Barringer, a former finalist on BBC TV's MasterChef: The Professionals is returning as head chef to Flitwick Manor, the hotel where he began his career as pot washer.

He will take over the reins of the four-AA-star, 18-bedroom hotel near Woburn, Bedforshire, on 1 September, three years after appearing on the television programme.

Flitwick Manor's general manager Steven Essex said he was "delighted" to see locally-born Barringer return to the hotel. "His enthusiasm, excitement for food, and innovative use of ingredients are sure to be well received by local residents and hotel guests alike."

Barringer said that Flitwick, which he originally joined in 2001, had always been close to his heart. "Although following Masterchef: The Professionals, I received various offers for head chef roles, I always hoped to one day return to Flitwick Manor, where I could inject my own style into the dishes on the menu," he explained.

Having previously studied at Barnfield Catering College, Barringer spent the years after leaving Flitwick Manor in a number of roles including as sous chef at Lewtrenchard Manor in Oakhampton, Devon, and head chef at St Helena restaurant, Elstow, Bedfordshire.

Flitwick Manor is part of the portfolio of 12 Menzies hotels which was acquired by the Topland Group in December 2013 for around £80m.

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