Corby chef's lockdown masterclasses showing you how to spice up your kitchen life

A Corby man who lost his job due to the coronavirus outbreak has started his own online cookery school to teach people how to cook like a professional chef.

Marco Freitas had been head chef at The Nevill Arms in Medbourne until lockdown closed down pubs and restaurants across the UK leaving him without any employment.

After a phone interview with a Portuguese radio station detailing life under lockdown in the UK, a friend who heard the broadcast was so impressed that he suggested that Marco should start an online cookery show.

Marco said: "A radio show from where I'm from in Portugal called me about how life in England was like. My friend listened to it and said we should do some cooking online and he offered to film me.

"I've been showing people how to make fish and chips, naan bread, chicken curry, and steaks as well as the classic french dessert creme brulee. It's been going really well and the feedback has been great."

The 28-year-old learnt to cook from his mum Ana, who is also a professional chef, and after moving to the UK he started at Chimichanga's in Kettering.

Working his way up from porter to front-of-house, he undertook training and landed a job in the kitchen of The Saracen's Head, Little Brington, finally becoming head chef. From there he moved to The Nevill Arms.

Marco said: "I've learnt a lot on the job and I have practised at home. I like to cook everything but I like to mix it up. When I make fish and chips I might add a bit of curry powder or lemon gin to the batter.

"I like to add a little twist so that it's traditional but different."

Marco has been working on the films using his own Corby kitchen, with neighbour and socially-distancing professional cameraman Pedro Silva.

And what has started as a little joke between the friends has become very serious.

Marco said: "Someone that I worked with commented that I have the same style as Gino D'Acampo.

"My dream would be to show people how to cook real Portuguese food but using the ingredients you can buy in British supermarkets."

Marco's partner, Jessica, who works as an intensive care nurse in Kettering General Hospital has been enjoying all the food he has been making for the show after her shifts.

He said: "She's been having a tough time but it's getting a bit quieter now. When she comes home she's happy as long as I've tidied up."

When lockdown finishes Marco will be looking for a new post as head chef and his twice-a-week YouTube shows will be less frequent.

He added: "Before we started the shows, Pedro couldn't cook anything but now he calls me to tell me what he's made every day.

"I would like people to subscribe and would like the channel to grow and one day to do this as a full-time TV show. That's our goal."

Watch Marco in action on his YouTube channel making creme brulee click here. and click here to go to his YouTube channel.

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