Anguillian-born Kerth Gumbs is a renowned chef in the United Kingdom. He is head chef at Omer Mayfair. The fine dining restaurant, under the ultimate direction of executive chef Shaun Rankin, opened as a spin-off to his original Omer Restaurant in Jersey. Gumbs has headed up the kitchen for three years, and previously held roles at Tom Aikens Restaurant, Texture and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon.
Because of his talent and sharp skills, Gumbs entered the Great British Menu – the cooking competition that saw top chefs from across the UK battle it out for the chance to cook at a special banquet. This three – week competition offered the chefs the chance to live vicariously through the television. Great British Menu amassed a roster of eight chefs – the creme de la creme of British cooking. Although, Kerth did not win the competition, his dessert received much praise from the judges and he got the opportunity to cook at the final banquet.
Gumbs’ reaction to the news that he had qualified to compete on the final day was: “Woooooooow! Yesssss! Then my brain immediately started thinking of a new-pre dessert that would sit well alongside the other dishes chosen for the banquet”.
He further stated that the experience was amazing all round. One of the highlights was when he found out that he had won for London and the South East. Then, of course, the icing on the cake was when he found out that he had succeeded in making it to the banquet – though it was a very tough competition.
In the near future, Kerth and his team plan to launch another dimension to their Omer Mayfair London, Restaurant; their Omer at Home takeaway menu starting on May 27th. This will be an opportunity for customers and the public at large to enjoy a slice of Omer at Home via Supper London and Deliveroo. There will also a collection service from the restaurant directly. All of Kerth’s dishes from the Great British Menu will also be available on the tasting Menu through gift vouchers.
Anguilla is proud of you, Kerth. Keep on cooking up a storm.
- Contributed