The Power of Tenacity, Mistakes, and Finding Your Path in the Kitchen

In this episode of Chefs on the Pass, Phil sits down with Mark McCabe, head chef at Simon Rogan’s Henrock, to discuss his unique culinary journey, from a late start in the kitchen to his emotional and high-pressure moments on Great British Menu. Mark opens up about his unconventional path to becoming a chef, the lessons he’s learned from his mentors, and the responsibility he feels in shaping the next generation of chefs.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How Mark’s phobia of vomiting led him to cooking and hospitality
• The importance of saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities, and how one email changed his career
• The challenges of cooking under pressure on Great British Menu and learning to manage expectations
• What it’s like working for Simon Rogan and leading the team at Henrock
• The crucial role of mentors and how Mark supports younger chefs in their own journeys
• How hospitality needs to evolve in terms of work culture, flexibility, and fair remuneration
• The mindset behind thriving in high-stakes culinary competitions and pushing through self-doubt

Listen now for:

• Mark’s reflections on his first year as head chef and how he handles the grind
• Real talk on how failure can propel you forward and the importance of learning from mistakes
• Behind-the-scenes moments from Great British Menu, including the emotional highs and lows
• Why chefs need to support each other in the kitchen and embrace collaboration over competition

This episode is for anyone in the culinary world, who is passionate about thriving in high-pressure cooking, and anyone interested in the unpredictable, yet deeply rewarding, journey that is the life of a chef.

Contact Us:

Phil Street (Host) – Connect: Phil Street FIH | LinkedIn

Craft Guild of Chefs Website – | Craft Guild of Chefs

Mark McCabe – Instagram - @markmccabe_chef

Henrock restaurant - Henrock – Home

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This episode is brought to you by Ramsden Recruitment – ramsdenrecruitment.co.uk

Stay tuned for more insights and incredible stories from the pass and beyond, only on Chefs on the Pass!

Episode 11 – Amber Francis – Becoming a Champion of Champions

Celebrating Resilience, Community, and Champion-of-Champions Moments

On this episode of Chefs on the Pass, fresh off the back of Great British Menu 2025, Phil sits down with Amber Francis, Champion of Champions, passionate educator, and all-around culinary force, for an unfiltered, inspiring look at life before, during, and after one of the UK’s biggest culinary competitions.

In this honest and open chat, you’ll hear about:

• Keeping the biggest secret in your career, months after filming wraps but before the world finds out.
• What it really takes to train for Great British Menu while juggling a full-time chef job.
• The teamwork, mutual support, and competitive spirit behind the scenes, why it’s not just about the food, but the people you cook alongside.
• The creativity marathon: building not just dishes, but props and stories that connect plate to person
• Moving from the Ritz London and fine dining into the world of school food - what Amber learned, what she thinks needs to change, and why it gives her the ultimate sense of purpose.
• The emotional highs and lows of competition: picking yourself up when things don’t go your way, and what it feels like when your dessert is crowned best of the best.

Listen now for:

• Amber’s advice for anyone thinking about entering a competition or changing career direction.
• Real talk about “tenacity” vs. “stubbornness,” and finding joy in food at every level.
• Why feeding and educating the next generation matters as much as winning trophies.
• Behind-the-scenes stories: from the French Laundry to school canteens, and everywhere in between.

Packed with honesty, inspiration, and passion for the craft, this episode is for anyone who loves food, believes in second (and third!) chances, or wants to hear how chefs are leading change in and out of the kitchen.

Contact Us:

Phil Street (Host) – Connect: Phil’s LinkedIn

Craft Guild of Chefs Website – craftguildofchefs.org

Amber Francis – LinkedIn

Support Our Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Ramsden Recruitment – ramsdenrecruitment.co.uk

Stay tuned for more remarkable stories from the pass and beyond, only on “Chefs on the Pass”!

This month, and with competition season fast approaching, Phil dives into the Young National Chef of the Year competition with three outstanding chefs who know all about the heat of the kitchen, both in service and on the competition stage.

Strap in as Phil chats with:

Rosie Welch – From culinary school skeptic to running her own dining events company.

Keira Carolan – A farm-to-fine-dining chef who thrives on open-fire cooking.

Jonny Smith – A fierce competitor who turned years of relentless practice into a championship winning moment.

The journey to competing at the highest level isn’t for the faint hearted. Expect a behind-the-scenes look at:

• What drives a chef to step into the pressure cooker of competition.
• The sleepless nights, practice runs, and make-or-break moments in the kitchen.
• The pure adrenaline rush (and sheer terror!) of presenting dishes to Michelin-starred judges.
• The unfiltered emotions when the winners are finally announced.

Listen now to hear:

• How competition shapes a chef’s career and mindset.
• The secrets to staying cool under pressure (even when something suddenly stops working!).
• What happens when you put your all into a dish—only to wait agonising hours for the verdict.

This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and the kind of competitive spirit that makes the culinary world so exhilarating. Whether you're a chef, foodie, or just love a great competition story—this one’s for you!

Phil Street (Host) – Connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/philstreet/

Craft Guild of Chefs Website – craftguildofchefs.org

Jonny Smith

Rosie Welch

Kiera Carolan

**Support Our Sponsors:**

This episode is brought to you by Ramsden Recruitment - https://www.ramsdenrecruitment.co.uk/

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the heart of the hospitality industry on "Chefs on the Pass"!