A former MasterChef: The Professionals semi-finalist has officially taken over a restaurant in Essex following the success of a pop-up venture there.

East Anglian Daily Times: MasterChef: The Professionals 2015 semi-finalist Andi Walker's restaurant, The Riverside Inn, Chelmsford. Picture: AMY SPOONERMasterChef: The Professionals 2015 semi-finalist Andi Walker's restaurant, The Riverside Inn, Chelmsford. Picture: AMY SPOONER (Image: Archant)

Andi Walker, who braved the heat of the TV hit series back in 2015 and has worked at Tuddenham Mill near Newmarket, launched his venture at The Riverside Inn, Chelmsford, with a cocktails and canapes celebration.

His aim is to use the finest locally-sourced, seasonal produce across the restaurant areas, including the bar, the main gastro pub downstairs and the fine dining upstairs restaurant.

“Following the continued success of the pop-up restaurant I ran on the top floor, it seemed natural to make it a permanent fixture,” he said.

“I am delighted with the launch and thrilled with the response we received from the first weekend of the official take over at The Riverside Inn. I am now simply excited to serve my own creations week on week.”

East Anglian Daily Times: MasterChef: The Professionals 2015 semi-finalist Andi Walker, with son, William, at The Riverside Inn, Chelmsford. Picture: AMY SPOONERMasterChef: The Professionals 2015 semi-finalist Andi Walker, with son, William, at The Riverside Inn, Chelmsford. Picture: AMY SPOONER (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: MasterChef: The Professionals 2015 semi-finalist Andi Walker, with son, William, at The Riverside Inn, Chelmsford. Picture: AMY SPOONERMasterChef: The Professionals 2015 semi-finalist Andi Walker, with son, William, at The Riverside Inn, Chelmsford. Picture: AMY SPOONER (Image: Archant)