A TALENTED young chef, who reached the final of MasterChef: The Professionals and was crowned Young Chef of the Year 2022, has been appointed head chef at a top north west restaurant.

Liam Rogers, from Stockton Heath, will be working alongside Lisa Goodwin-Allen at Northcote – a luxury hotel and fine dining restaurant in Langho in the Ribble Valley, that has maintained a Michelin star for the past 26 years.

Securing the new role is one of Liam’s career highlights and he’s excited about working with “one of the best chefs in the country”.

Chester and District Standard: Liam Rogers will be joining Lisa Goodwin-Allen at Michelin starred restaurant NorthcoteLiam Rogers will be joining Lisa Goodwin-Allen at Michelin starred restaurant Northcote (Image: Northcote)

The former Bridgewater High School student has been in the hospitality industry for most of his life, starting in his dad’s family restaurant where he worked for six years as a teenager before moving onto become junior sous chef at Sat Bains' two Michelin starred restaurant in Nottingham and then sous chef at The Gleneagles Hotel in Perth, Scotland.

He impressed the judges on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2021 with his flavour combinations, reaching the final three and was awarded the Young Chef of the Year at the Chaine des Rotisseurs GB Young Professional Awards in May last year.

Liam Rogers celebrated winning Young Chef of the Year at the Chaine des Rotisseurs GB Young Professional Awards

Liam Rogers celebrated winning Young Chef of the Year at the Chaine des Rotisseurs GB Young Professional Awards

The 26-year-old is looking forward to working in the Northcote kitchen with renowned chef Lisa, who has been appearing as the north west judge in this week’s Great British Menu on BBC One.

Northcote is a boutique 26-bedroom hotel which is part of The Stafford Collection.

Liam, who trained at Warrington and Vale College and now has more than ten years' restaurant experience, said: “Lisa is ultimately what attracted me to the role at Northcote.

“She is renowned for her fantastic training culture and is incredibly passionate about developing people and helping to create a pathway for their successful careers.

“This is something that’s really important to me and I’m super excited to be joining Northcote as head chef.”

He added: “The opportunity to work with one of the best chefs in the country was something I couldn’t ignore and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.

“Lisa is an amazing person and she’s a great chef.

“I loved watching her on Great British Menu and she judged me on MasterChef: The Professionals too, giving great feedback.

“The kitchen at Northcote is impressive and I can’t wait to put everything I’ve learnt in my career so far into the head chef role, working with other great chefs in the team.”

Chester and District Standard: Liam (left) and Lisa (front) and the talented Northcote teamLiam (left) and Lisa (front) and the talented Northcote team (Image: Northcote)