The Taste is a reality cooking show which sees amateur cooks battle it out in blind taste tests against professional chefs and see who can be crowned the king or queen of the kitchen.

Barry Johnston earned his spot on Anthony Bourdain’s team, but had his pick of the bunch of a world class panel, who all wanted to mentor him

Barry moved to London two and a half years ago after turning down a chance to be on the Irish Masterchef.

He said that he went 'the sensible route' for a job in London as a political lobbyist for Christian Aid. He always regretted not taking his chance on Masterchef, but had another shot at cooking fame when a friend sent him a link to audition for Channel 4's 'The Taste'.

Last night, there was fierce competition between all three mentors, Nigella Lawson Ludo Lefebvre and Anthony Bourdain who all wanted Barry on their team. He cooked them a mouthwatering  cured grilled mackerel with a wasabi mayonnaise, pickled beetroot and tempura samphfire, but opted for Bourdain in the end.

He celebrated the start to the show last night by cooking a replica dish for bunch of his mates at home.

Barry told Newstalk Breakfast that Nigella didn't interact with him too much after he turned her down, but was 'very protective' of her own contestants.

You can watch The Taste on Channel 4 on Tuesday's. Check out barry johnston's Twitter handle here and his blog here