Meet Jeany the MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 contestant – Heat One, Week Two

Location: Belfast, born in Isle of Man

Chef Bio: Thirty-one-year-old Senior Sous Chef, Jeany, was born in the Isle of Man but grew up in Belfast, where she now works at a fine-dining themed restaurant. Jeany is one of six children and lives with her brother, down the road from her siblings and mum.

Current and Previous Experience: Jeany did an apprenticeship whilst completing her NVQ level 1 & 2. She then went on to work at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast, The Haslem Hotel, Lisburn, and now works at A Peculiar Tea in Belfast.

How did you get into cooking and what do you love about it?

“I struggle to remember where my love of food started. I’ve just always been fascinated with it. I remember spending time in the kitchen with my mum and getting cookbooks for Christmas presents. Both my grandmothers were great cooks. From an early age I was amazed by all the different ingredients.”

How would you describe your style of cooking and any influences on it?

“The place I work now is quite quirky and fun with its food and this has really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I love it and it’s had a big influence on my style. In my own cooking, I draw upon my travels and Irish roots, and love my food to look elegant.”

Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?

“My current brigade is an all-female team of eight chefs. It feels like a supportive place to be and now is a good time to really push myself with something like MasterChef: The Professionals. I’ll be terrified but I also know I have the people around me to be there through the good and (hopefully not) the bad.”

Outside of cooking what are your passions?

“I love anything outdoors, walking my dog, foraging, hiking with friends. I’d like to think I’m a bit of a social butterfly and enjoy hanging out with mates, going to gigs and things like that.”