Horsham’s top chef Matt Gillan wins through to BBC Great British Menu grand final

Matt, head chef at The Pass, South Lodge Hotel, in Lower Beeding, had just one point more than his rival Lee Westcott for the London and South-East section in the judges’ test.

If he has one of his courses selected in the grand final Matt will be cooking at a glorious banquet marking 100 years of the Women’s Institute at London’s historic Drapers Hall.

Matt had a tough week but got through to tonight’s judges’ panel in which he and Lee cooked all four dishes to be scrutinised by a panel including a member of the WI.

It was neck and neck right to the end and only one point separated the two finalists, but Matt was voted through.

Matt joined South Lodge Hotel in West Sussex in 2006 and his talent has earned The Pass 4 AA Rosettes, and in 2011 a coveted Michelin star.

This is Matt’s second time in the competition, having failed to reach the judges chamber in series 8. His menu traces the history of the Women’s Institute over the last 100 years.

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