A FORMER head chef of a Poole bistro is proving he can stand the heat as he bids to become the UK’s top professional Masterchef.

Steve Groves, who formerly ran the kitchen at Branksome Beach, has reached the semi-finals of the BBC’s current cookery contest.

He will go head-to-head with other chefs in next week’s semis under the eye of legendary chef Michel Roux Jr.

In his run to the semis, Steve impressed both Michel and presenter Gregg Wallace with his flair for flavours and all-round ability.

His dessert of deconstructed cheesecake, a favourite on the Branksome Beach menu in his time, won him through his quarter-final.

Masterchef: The Professionals continues on BBC2 from Monday to Thursday.