IPSWICH: A chef who was pitted against some of the best in the industry is today preparing for a fresh challenge.

Ben Taylor, of Clarkson Street, Ipswich, has made it through to the second round of TV contest Masterchef: The Professionals.

The 33-year-old was last night shown making a perfectly “smooth” hollandaise sauce, although he was criticised by the judges for being too sparing with the lemon juice.

He was then asked to cook ball-shaped doughnuts for judge Michel Roux.

Beforehand, he told viewers: “I’m very nervous, but very excited too. Hopefully my passion for food will come through.”

Mr Taylor, who has previously worked at Bar K and The Dining Room, both in Ipswich, cannot reveal how far he got in the competition.

He did, however, say: “My Masterchef experience was relatively short-lived, but it was a fun experience cooking in a studio under pressure.”

Now he is concentrating on the opening of his new gastro pub, The Arboretum, in Ipswich high street, on Saturday.

“I am now looking forward to cooking for real customers and having them enjoy my food,” he said.