Chef News is sponsored by The Kitchen Porters Club
Weike Zhao is one of four chefs representing the North East and Yorkshire in the regional heat. Thirty two chefs from across Britain and Northern Ireland will compete for a place in the finals, with three episodes airing each week from February 24 at 7pm on BBC Two and iPlayer. The competition will be judged by chefs Tom Kerridge and Lorna Mcnee, comedian Phil Wang and presented by award-winning TV chef and broadcaster Andi Oliver.
This year’s Great British Menu theme is British movies and filmmakers. Chefs are tasked with creating dishes inspired by their region and its connection to cinema. The winning dishes from across the series will be served at a star-studded banquet held at St George’s Hall in Liverpool. Weike’s competition menu celebrates the North East and the films and actors from the region.
Originally from China, Weike Zhao began her culinary career in Melbourne Australia, where she moved in 2008 and completed a two-year commercial culinary course while working across restaurants and catering establishments. During this time she also completed a BA in Hotel Management, laying the foundation for her global approach to food.
Since relocating to the UK, Weike Zhao has established herself as a leading figure in the Yorkshire hospitality scene. She has led the 2 AA Rosette restaurant at Wood Hall Hotel & Spa since June 2022, where she oversees a team focused on sustainability and seasonality, crafting menus that reflect both the local landscape and her own Asian heritage.
Wood Hall Hotel & Spa, is an award-winning country house hotel set in the West Yorkshire countryside, originally built as a country retreat for the Scott family, the hotel provides a peaceful setting in which to relax and unwind.
Weike Zhao said, “It’s a huge honour to represent North East and Yorkshire on BBC’s Great British Menu. The theme celebrating British film gave me the opportunity to explore the North East’s cultural identity through food whilst staying true to my style of combining Yorkshire’s seasonal ingredients with Asian flavours. It was an incredible experience to cook alongside other such talented chefs from the region.”
Julia Hands, Chair of Hand Picked Hotels commented, “We are very proud of Weike for representing the North East and Yorkshire in this national television cookery competition. At Hand Picked Hotels, we are committed to investing in talented individuals who demonstrate technical expertise and a clear culinary identity. Weike’s approach to seasonality and her thoughtful integration of regional produce reflect the standards we champion across our portfolio. Her participation in this national competition reflects both her personal achievement and the strength of the restaurant at Wood Hall Hotel & Spa.”
Modern British dining is core to the guest experience at Hand Picked Hotels with dishes that reflect both seasonality and provenance. The majority of Hand Picked Hotels restaurants’ hold either one or two AA Rosettes with Tassili at Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa holding a coveted four AA Rosettes. Earlier this month, Dion Wyn Jones, Executive Chef at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, was awarded the prestigious title of National Chef of Wales 2026 by the Culinary Association of Wales. This national award scheme recognises exceptional skill in gastronomy, culinary creativity and professionalism.
Weike Zhao will appear on Great British Menu on Tuesday, March 24th at 7pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
Chef News is sponsored by The Kitchen Porters Club
