Julie Friend

My cooking hobby turned into a career when I won BBC MasterChef back in 1997. I have subsequently had my own delis/bistros in London, managed restaurants and helped people set up theirs with advice on menus and chef training. I also ran a successful catering business from my London delis and still do some private chef work. I now mostly split my time between running an ‘al fresco’ dining experience called The Tiny Table from my home in Kent, with writing for local papers and magazines and recipe developing for a few companies. I have been a judge and co-ordinator for the Great Taste Awards for the last few years and am a Special Officer on the Guild’s Committee for social media.

Languages spoken

Italian and French

Regular work

Writing for Kent Life (Food Bites pages and Cooking with Julie, recipe section) and Kent Messenger (What’s In Season feature). Private chef work and catering.

Julie Friend