A Look at Myrtle, Anna Haugh’s London Restaurant Behind the New MasterChef Host

Stephanie Gravalese
Apr 21
3 min read

Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, the Chelsea-based space reflects her refined yet contemporary culinary approach.

Haugh, originating from Tallaght, South Dublin, developed an interest in culinary arts at an early age. I was fortunate to assist my mother in cooking as soon as I could stand, and from the very first day I aided her in preparing dinner in our vibrant orange kitchen… “I adored it,” she inscribed in her cookbook. Initially, she did not perceive cooking as a feasible job, influenced by a remark from a career advisor who asserted that becoming a chef was an unrealistic aspiration for women.

Upon securing a position in a restaurant kitchen, Haugh recognised this as her appropriate trajectory and resolved to follow her love. She attended Dublin Food School prior to obtaining an apprenticeship at L’Ecrivain, the now-defunct Michelin-starred French restaurant operated by Derry and Sallyanne Clarke. “Upon my hiring in the kitchen—significant at the time due to the scarcity of chefs—I was immensely enthusiastic, particularly because of the remarkable presence of numerous women,” she conveyed to the Evening Standard. “Individuals of all genders and ranks were present, eliminating any ambiguity regarding gender.”

However, circumstances altered when she relocated to London. Haugh became a member of the staff at Pied à Terre, one of London’s most prestigious restaurants located in Fitzrovia, where she perceived herself as a ‘dancing monkey due to the absence of other women’. Nevertheless, she asserts that she acquired substantial knowledge there, especially from the renowned Australian chef Shane Osborn, whom she characterised as 'exceptionally talented' yet also 'very emotional and quite young to hold the position of head chef.' After two years, Haugh departed and took a new position at The Square in Mayfair, working under Philip Howard. A year later, she rejoined Pied à Terre as sous chef; however, following several tumultuous incidents with the volatile Osborn, Haugh resolved to pursue a new opportunity. She became part of the prestigious catering firm Rocket Foods, advancing to the position of director of food, until she was lured back into the restaurant industry by the exceptional opportunity to inaugurate Gordon Ramsay’s new establishment, London House in Battersea. Under her leadership, it achieved three AA Rosettes within a single year.

Myrtle

In 2019, Haugh inaugurated her inaugural restaurant, Myrtle, on Langton Street in Chelsea, reflecting her Irish roots. Guests may choose the ‘Taste of Ireland’ seven-course tasting menu, which varies seasonally and include items such as Carlingford oysters, black pudding with barley and pecan, Burren beef boxty and Guinness cake. The à la carte menu include items such as Anna’s carrot salad, dingle pie, and oat-crusted fish. Additionally, there is a comprehensive wine list showcasing wines from various European regions. For a more informal experience, visit The Wee Sister Wine Bar, located adjacent to the restaurant and offering Irish-inspired appetisers.

Anna Haugh's Television Career

Before obtaining the MasterChef position, Haugh appeared in several television programs. She co-hosted two seasons of the BBC's Royal Recipes and frequently appears on programs such as Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch. Earlier this year, she hosted a culinary series titled Anna Haugh’s Big Irish Food Tour, which was broadcast on BBC One Northern Ireland. She is familiar with the MasterChef realm, having succeeded Monica Galetti as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals for the fifteenth series.

Regarding her new position as MasterChef presenter, Haugh stated: ‘I am thrilled to return to MasterChef and to judge alongside the remarkable Grace Dent, whose writing and wit I have esteemed for years. MasterChef has consistently inspired and resonated with home cooks and professionals in my business. I eagerly anticipate entering the studio for what promises to be an excellent competition.

Notwithstanding the recent issue, Haugh remains unperturbed about assuming control of the show. In a recent interview with Radio Times, she emphasised that, above all, MasterChef is centred on exceptional culinary skills. “It surpasses the significance of any individual,” she stated. The candidates are exceptional. This program serves as a mirror of their identity.