Hospitality apprenticeship leaver Darragh competes on BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals

Darragh Ryan

Former Brockenhurst College commis chef apprentice Darragh Ryan is taking part in MasterChef: The Professionals on BBC 1 from Monday 23 October.

Twenty-four-year-old Darragh, whose father is also a chef, will be going up against some of the industry’s hottest talent for the title of 2023 champion on the hit show.

Originally from Limerick, Ireland, Darragh completed his apprenticeship in 2018, before going on to work at The Wykeham Arms in Winchester.

Since then, rugby fan Darragh has progressed to cooking at two-star and three-star AA rated restaurants.

He currently works at 36 On the Quay in Emsworth, near Portsmouth, where he works as a sous chef.

Darragh enjoys foraging for seasonal produce and describes his style as modern European.

He told industry website, The Staff Canteen, “I want to be a role model for young people and show that you can come from nothing and build up to something great.

“I’d love to use the competition as a stepping stone for my own restaurant one day.

“In the meantime I just want to build up my confidence and challenge myself.”

During his time at Brock, Darragh benefitted from industry standard kitchens at Brock’s on-campus, fine-dining restaurant, MJ’s.