I am 23 and have an extraordinary passion for food, flavour and cooking...

...Aged 11, I bought Mary Berry's complete cook book and since then I haven't stopped cooking or buying recipe books. At 14, I started working in restaurants which is where my inspiration to create wonderful food for large numbers of people really kicked in. I have eight years experience; home-cooking; working in restaurants; gaining work experience in Michelin-starred kitchens; appearing on a cookery TV show and, through my 'foodie' exploration, I have also been lucky enough to meet some of my cookery heroes (Mary Berry included!).

Lucy's Kitchen started in June 2009 after cooking many meals for my friends
and family (which quickly turned into friends of friends!). They planted the
seed that this was something I was good at, they enjoyed and I loved. When I
started preparing seven-course meals for eight I thought it was time to go
professional.

When it comes to food, I love designing new and flavourful dishes and try
to source locally wherever possible. I feel it is important to celebrate the
fabulous produce we have so readily available to us in beautiful Devon.

I recently took part in Taste of the West’s Young Chef of the Year competition, which took place at Ashburton Cookery School I was 1 of 3 finalists who had to cook 2 locally sourced, seasonal dishes for the chef judges: Michael Caines, Chris Tanner, Peter Gorton, James Tanner & Darrin Hosegrove. It was an absolutely incredible experience and I was lucky enough to get runner up, with some very valuable feedback.

The two dishes I cooked were: Starter: Home-grown garden pea velouté with a crispy quail’s egg and Moostone Meats ham hock. Main: Pan fried wild Cornish sea bass, with home-made tagliatelli, Yealm Estuary samphire, Fowey cockles and capers with Langage Farm creamy white wine sauce.

Also recently featured in Devon Life as their Devon portrait for September 2010 – I was being recognised for achievements in the Taste of the West competition and for my love of creative cooking using local and high-quality produce. In 2009 I was lucky enough to take part in ITV’s ‘Taste the Nation’ which saw 32 regions in the UK compete in a number of cookery contests. I was proud to get through the tough application process and be part of the team of three representing Devon, out of over a hundred applicants.

My mentor was Michelin-starred chef, John Burton Race, who invited us to
'The New Angel' in Dartmouth where we cooked alongside him and his chefs
to prepare for the competition. They spent time teaching us new skills, recipes
and shared tips on how to cater consistently to such a high standard. I enjoyed
absorbing their wisdom which must have paid off because we won the first
round of the competition. I was chosen by John to cook the starter which was a
'Crab Salad with a Tarragon Dressing'.

I have also been lucky enough to work with Nathan Outlaw in Fowey (now based at the St Enodoc Hotel in Rock) who is an extremely talented rising two Michelin-star chef. I was fascinated to see and taste food cooked with such precision and attention to detail that was so seamlessly served from his small kitchen.

In addition I have worked at Bistro Bacchanalia on the Barbican, The Dolphin Inn in Newton Ferrers and the Ship Inn in Noss Mayo.

When I am not in my kitchen, I am studying for my business degree at Plymouth University. I am currently in my final year working incredibly hard to hopefully get a 1st class honors.

I am very lucky to have fantastic friends and family who are extremely supportive. I enjoy relaxing with them, trying out local restaurants and spending time making the most of the South West's glorious beaches and Dartmoor. I have been with my partner Paul for four years and yes, we love to cook together! We have recently caught the skiing bug and hope to go again soon! I also enjoy diving, reading and running – which is essential with all the cooking and eating!

If you haven't made up your mind yet as to whether you would like to use Lucy's Kitchen. Why not give me a call to discuss your entertaining options further.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Kind Regards.

Lucy Hinchliffe
Chef Proprietor