A Leeds chef is going up against the best in the region on the Great British Menu this week.

Weike Zhao, who is head chef at Wood Hall Hotel & Spa in Wetherby, is aiming to secure a spot on this year’s banquet - but faces some fierce competition.

Originally from China, she has led the team at the 2-AA Rosette restaurant in the Leeds town since June 2022. Describing her food, the BBC writes: “Her cuisine champions seasonal British produce intertwined with modern Asian influences, combining Yorkshire’s best ingredients with bold flavours.”

Weike is competing in the heat for the North East and Yorkshire against four other top chefs. It includes North Yorkshire-based Michelin star chef Jamie Keeble of Mýse in Hovingham and chef patron Cal Byerley of the Michelin star Pine in Northumberland.

Leeds chef Weike Zhao is on The Great British Menu this week | BBC / Optomen Television Limited / Kate Hollingsworth

placeholder image — Leeds chef Weike Zhao is on The Great British Menu this week | BBC / Optomen Television Limited / Kate Hollingsworth

The heat kicked-off on BBC Two yesterday (March 24) and will continue through to Thursday (March 26) evening. Weike has made it through the first elimination, meaning she will get to cook her full menu - including her main and dessert in tonight’s episode (March 25).

However, she will have to score well with this week’s expert chef if she wants to have a chance to cook in front of the judges panel tomorrow night. If she can make it through to that stage and impress, Weike could return later in the year to cook for a spot at this year’s Great British Menu banquet.

Talking about Weikie’s experience in the kitchen, the BBC continues: “Weike’s culinary journey began in Melbourne, Australia, where she moved to 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 has established herself as a leading figure in the Yorkshire hospitality scene. At Wood Hall she oversees a team focused on sustainability and seasonality, crafting menus that reflect both the local landscape and her own Asian heritage.

“Weike’s competition menu celebrates the North East, and the films and actors that are based there.”

The Great British Menu is on BBC Two from 7pm this evening. All three episodes from the North East and Yorkshire heat are also available to watch on iPlayer right now.