A CHEF from Holywell featured on cooking programme MasterChef: The Professionals last week, despite having only been cooking for five years.

Chad Hughes, 35, of Holywell, decided to apply for the famous show to test his abilities.

Surprisingly, Chad only started cooking five years ago at the age of 30.

He trained and worked at The Chester Grosvenor Hotel and Spa which holds a coveted Michelin star at 4 AA Rosettes.

From there, he joined The Lawns at Thornton Hall and has completed stages at numerous Michelin starred restaurants across the country including Fraiche and Le Champignon Sauvage.

Chad battled it out with other professional chefs but unfortunately didn’t make it to the next round, although he did get the chance to prepare food for top chef Michel Roux Jr.

Chad said: “Some of the chefs were very competitive whilst with others there was a lot of comradery. The judges are firm but fair and offer constructive criticism – especially Michel Roux Jr.”

Chad says the biggest challenge on the show was overcoming nerves and keeping calm.

He added: “The show is immensely stressful – more so than in any other kitchen I’ve worked in due to the scrutiny and also everything in TV land is embellished and exaggerated.”

It’s now back to the day job for Chad who owns and runs a bespoke fine dining service called AmberMaze.

AmberMaze offers the full fine dining experience from the comfort of your home.

Chad said: “Together the customer and I create a menu that suits their taste and that of their guests.”

Not only does Chad cook but he also takes care of cleaning and washing the dishes.

For more information visit www.ambermaze.co.uk.