Polly Norman, who grew up in the countryside near King's Lynn, appeared on the latest series of MasterChef: The Professionals. 

The 23-year-old's culinary journey started at King's Lynn Golf Club and she is now a senior chef de partie at one of London's oldest traditional restaurants – Simpsons. 

She uses flavours inspired by her childhood foraging in Norfolk (Image: BBC)

Miss Norman was inspired to apply for the show after her success in the Young Chef of the Year at the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary competition, where she came second in the UK. 

"It was such a surreal experience,” she said of her time on MasterChef. “It was definitely the hardest competition I have ever done. 

"I got on really well with the other contestants, so we had a great time." 

She currently works in London (Image: BBC)

Her journey to becoming a chef was influenced by her time growing up on the north Norfolk coast, where she recalls collecting cockles and sapphire with her dad. 

She describes her cooking as "nature‑led, ingredient‑focused and rooted in Norfolk flavours”. 

Before heading to London, where she first got a job at the world-renowned Savoy Hotel, she was also a professional golfer. 

Polly Norman with some of her fellow contestants (Image: BBC)

Unfortunately, Miss Norman was knocked out at the semi-final stage of the BBC competition, but feels she learnt a lot from the experience. 

"As chefs, we jump from cuisine to cuisine, but I have learnt from the show to stay true to what I know," Ms Norman added. 

"It taught me what I love to cook and a lot of that is based in my Norfolk upbringing. 

"You learn a lot about what works with your own dishes." 

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