2024 MasterChef Champion Hosts Guest Dinner at Bradford College

The Grove Restaurant & Bar was once again the home of food wizardry this Monday, as Daniel Merriman put on a show for invited guests.

Those in attendance, including Councillor Beverley Mullaney (Lord Mayor of Bradford) and Shannon Palmer (Food Influencer), were treated to a showstopping three-course meal prepared by Daniel and Level 3 Professional Cookery students, served by Level 2 students from the same area.

Speaking on the evening, Lord Mayor Mullaney said: “The meal was absolutely delicious and the service was fantastic. All the students involved are a credit to Bradford College.”

Students got to spend a full day preparing for the special ‘Guest Chef Experience’ with the latest ‘MasterChef: The Professionals’ winner, supported by Janice Flude, Andy Bray, and Richard Barker.

The menu itself kicked off with a mushroom risotto starter, utilising three different types of mushroom and black garlic. Following this came a main course of cod curry, with cod fillets, red peppers, and fennel featuring among a varied tapestry of ingredients. Finally, as the literal ‘cherry on the cake’, was a dessert of cherry and almond crumble.

Once the dining masterclass was complete, the evening finished with a Q&A and photographs with Chef Merriman, who was keen to stress: “Bradford College’s catering facilities are the best I’ve ever seen in a college.”

After originally working in kitchens as a necessity to earn money, Daniel quickly found catering to be his destiny and has since climbed to the very top of the industry. The self-made professional and television champion now resides as a senior sous-chef at The Black Bull Inn, Blackburn.

This isn’t the first time a TV chef has played host to VIP guests at Bradford College though after, most notably, the visit of Exose Grant last year following £32million funding being invested across the Bradford College estate.

As well as hosting illustrious dinner events, The Grove is also open to members of the public on various days throughout the week. Click here to find out more and book in for lunch (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) or an à la carte meal (Thursday evening). Alternatively, explore all the Catering & Hospitality courses on offer at Bradford College here.