Meet this month's chef who began cooking a few years ago and is now serving up dishes at a popular Basingstoke pub

Lilly-Anne Shears describes the beginning of her career as a  'silver lining in a black cloud'. 

In 2020, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and the country was in lockdown - cooking helped Lilly-Anne and her family cope, and it became her new love. 

Do you know a chef we should feature? They can get involved here. 

Basingstoke Gazette: Lilly-Anne Shears on the first day of her job at The Crown Lilly-Anne Shears on the first day of her job at The Crown A few years later, Lilly-Anne is a commis chef The Crown and, even better, her mum has made a full recovery. 

This chef admits that she loves a good roast and is inspired by Anthony Bourdain's passion for cooking. 

Take a look at the gallery above to see Lilly-Anne's best dishes and see what she has to say below:

Tell us a bit about your career so far...

"Although it’s only just begun I’ve already had so many exciting opportunities! In February 2024, I had the amazing opportunity to do a work experience trip to Lisbon in Portugal and I thoroughly enjoyed it."

What inspired you to become a chef?

"The inspiration came from a silver lining in a black cloud, my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 - she’s made a full recovery and I’m so proud of her!

"At the time it was incredibly scary and it was also lockdown, my brothers and dad were still working and therefore I often cooked dinner, it soon became a way for me to zone out and away from the current situation. 

"From then it became crystal clear to me that it was my future career, then I started my Instagram account (Lillys_cooking26) to track my progress throughout my career!"

Basingstoke Gazette: The Biscoff Cheesecake Lilly-Anne made for her mum's birthdayThe Biscoff Cheesecake Lilly-Anne made for her mum's birthday

What was the first meal you cooked for someone else?

"Chicken biryani or burgers."

What is your signature dish?

"Definitely my meat pie, I also change the design on the top of my pie every time to keep it interesting."

What is your favourite dish currently on your menu?

"Sweet and sour chicken with egg fried rice."

What is your favourite place to eat in Hampshire and why?

"Probably Harvester or Tangs. I enjoy Chinese food but I’ve always loved Harvester!"

What is your favourite meal to eat at home?

"Roast. Definitely a roast but I would never turn down a steak!"

What is your culinary guilty pleasure?

"Ice cream or chocolate!"

Which key ingredient is always in your fridge?

"Onions."

Which chef do you most admire and why?

"Anthony Bourdain, the passion he had for hospitality and catering is truly inspiring, I strongly believe I share that passion!"