Last year's My Million Pound Menu contestants - where are they now?
Successful candidates
Ruth Hansom and Emily Lambert – Epoch
Ruth Hansom, winner of Young Chef of the Year 2017, and Emily Lambert, The Ritz’s youngest female sommelier to date, received an offer of £750,000 from Atul Kochhar for their British fine dining concept Epoch. Since the show, the pair have run a series of pop-ups, private dinners and functions, collaborating with different chefs across the UK. But things have now gone quiet, and Hansom has taken a position as head chef at Luton Hoo hotel’s Wernher restaurant.
Jay Morjaria – Dynasty
Korean restaurant concept Dynasty received an investment of £500,000 from Lydia Forter of the Rocco Forte Hotel group, offering a residency in her Forte Berlin hotel. It looks as though this deal didn't work out as intended, as Morjaria has continued working as a chef consultant, hosting Dynasty supper clubs, classes and demos. He is still looking for investment and a bricks and mortar site in London.
Oli, Joe and Michael – Finca
Cuban street-food concept Finca won investment of £150,000 from Jeremy Roberts, CEO of Living Ventures. Since appearing on the show, Finca secured a residency in Manchester-based restaurant Artisan, however the venue is now in administration. Finca continues to host a series of pop-ups, with events in Liverpool taking place in late January and plans to open a permanent site this year.
The end of this month sees one of our most unique events to date And nearly 50% of tickets have already gone for the Cuban-Chinese pop-up on 25th and 26th! Make sure you don’t miss out Link here for more info and tickets: https://t.co/NNm5yxsddtpic.twitter.com/BCXpRZEMzJ
— FINCA (@FINCA_UK) January 3, 2019
Ronnie Murray and James Randall – Hollings
Classic British food and drink concept Hollings, headed by ex-Hix Group head chef Ronnie Murray and ex-Hix bar manager James Randall, declined a £200,000 deal with Atul Kochhar on the show. Since then, the pair have continued developing their concept and recently announced plans for an opening, with more details coming soon.
Rupert Smith and Marita Lietz – Bubble&
Investor Atul Kochhar offered a development deal to husband and wife team Smith and Lietz on the show. With no announcements of a permanent site, Bubble& continues serving variations of the classic bubble and squeak at markets around London. They also host pop-up dinners and cater at weddings, festivals and parties.
Bubble& Chicken and Chorizo Stew w/ broccoli, capers & wild garlic pesto. How can you resist? Lunch is served @WealddownMuseum Christmas Market. pic.twitter.com/cfWzoKqebF
— Bubble& (@bubbleandUK) November 23, 2018
Didn't get investment:
Ewen Hutchison – Shrimpwreck
Shrimpwreck failed to win investment, but ended up being mentored by MEATliquor's Scott Collins after the show wrapped. The Scottish street-food stall has continued trading in Glasgow under the Argyle Street Arches. Dishes include shrimp buns, fish finger sarnies and marinated king prawns.
Jennifer Henry and Hannah Adams – Naked Dough
Though failing to rustle up a penny of investment, raw cookie dough parlour Naked Dough has launched in Lakeside, Westfield London, hosted a pop-up in Topshop and sell tubs of its dough on its website. It has recently launched its own stall in Camden market.
Wowee WHAT a year this has been! ⚡️⚡️
— Naked Dough™ (@_NakedDough) December 21, 2018
From our appearance on @MillionPoundMnu to opening our third location at @CamdenMarket, via a pop-up in Top Shop and the recent introduction of our Make Your Own pouches. We have had A BLAST pic.twitter.com/q7Li4UFcYA
Chelsea Campbell - Wholesome Junkies
27-year old Chelsea Campbell failed to bag investment for her vegan junk food concept Wholesome Junkies, however investor Chris Miller offered mentorship. Since filming, Campbell has continued to trade across the North West, specialising in pop ups, supper clubs, fairs, weddings and festivals.
Graham Bradbury – The Cheese Wheel
After failing to secure investment, Ex-L’Escargot chef Graham Bradbury continues serving fresh pasta dunked in a 40kg Grana Padana cheese wheel in Camden Market. Last month Bradbury revealed a new menu.
Prince Owusu - Trap Kitchen
Social media sensation Trap Kitchen failed to secure investment on the show, but has since opened its own Manchester pick-up site. As well as receiving offers of investment and pop-up opportunities, Owusu is apparently fielding offers to open a permanent site in London. The menu, which includes lobster tails and waffles, draws inspiration from soul food, Chinese and African American cuisine.
Lee Bardon and Faai Kerdphol – Greedy Khao
Vegan Thai-grab-and-go concept Greedy Khao failed to win any investors’ attention, but has since been spotted at specialised meat-free markets and London-based supper clubs. Signature dishes include spicy stir-fries, rice noodle dishes topped with dairy-free ‘eggs’ and salted coconut cream Thai desserts.
Liz and Stew Down – Black Bear Burger
The husband and wife team behind Black Bear Burger didn’t bag an offer on the show. Since filming the street food stall has continued trading in Shoreditch’s Boxpark, serving aged beef patties, buttermilk fried chicken nuggets and Mac n’ Cheese topped with herb breadcrumb.
