Former student competes on BBC’s Masterchef
From the classrooms of Worsley College to Michelin-starred kitchens and now national television, former catering student Dan Nunn is taking on one of the UK's toughest cooking challenges.
Dan, 29, is among 24 professional chefs competing in the latest series of BBC One's MasterChef: The Professionals, showcasing his culinary skills in a bid to impress judges Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti.
Now a senior sous chef at The Sir Charles Napier, a prestigious three-AA-rosette restaurant in Oxfordshire, Dan has carved out an impressive career since studying catering at Worsley College, part of Salford City College Group.
His journey has taken him through some of Britain's most celebrated kitchens, including Michael Caines' ABode restaurant in Manchester and Tom Kerridge's two-Michelin-starred gastropub, The Hand & Flowers, in Buckinghamshire.
Credit: BBC/Shine TV Ltd
During his eight years at The Hand & Flowers, Dan worked his way up to junior sous chef, gaining invaluable experience at the highest level of professional cooking.
From Worsley College to Michelin-starred kitchens
Dan's introduction to fine dining began while he was still studying at Worsley College, when he secured a two-week work placement at Raymond Blanc's world-renowned Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire.
The prestigious restaurant, which held two Michelin stars for more than four decades, has helped shape the careers of some of the UK's most accomplished chefs.
The placement gave Dan a unique opportunity to experience life in a world-class kitchen, develop his culinary skills and learn first-hand from leading industry professionals.
His passion for food began at an early age, inspired by his father, who worked as a chef, and his grandmother, with whom he spent weekends baking and cooking.
Today, Dan's cooking combines classical French and British influences, with a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
A proud moment for Worsley College
Dan's appearance on MasterChef: The Professionals is a proud moment for Worsley College, where students benefit from practical training, industry-standard facilities and opportunities to gain real-world experience in the hospitality industry.
Amy Vaughan, Centre Principal at Worsley College, said:
"We're thrilled to see Dan competing on MasterChef! It's fantastic to watch a former student achieve such success in an industry he is clearly so passionate about.
"To go from studying at Worsley College to working in Michelin-starred kitchens and now appearing on national television is an incredible achievement and we wish him all the best."
Dan's success highlights the exciting career opportunities available within the hospitality industry and the importance of combining professional training with valuable industry experience.