Ryan McVay Biography – Ryan McVay Wiki

Ryan McVay, an English chef and restaurateur, has gained attention as a contestant on the 2026 edition of Great British Menu (GBM). He is the visionary behind The Calabash Tree at Sheepfolds Stables in Sunderland, the city’s inaugural restaurant dedicated to Trinidad & Tobago cuisine, where he celebrates the vibrant and bold flavors of his Caribbean roots.

Ryan’s culinary journey began in 2015 when he identified a gap in the food scene during a street food event. Motivated by this discovery, he launched his venture, aptly named after the calabash tree indigenous to the Caribbean, to honor and highlight the rich culinary traditions of his background.

Born in Washington, Ryan’s love for cooking was deeply influenced by his dual heritage. His Trinidadian mother and English father, the latter a classically trained chef and catering lecturer, instilled in him a passion for food from a young age. After dedicating 14 years to the fire service, a career-ending injury prompted him to pursue his culinary ambitions full-time.

Ryan made a name for himself through street food events, pop-up ventures, and a successful lockdown weekend menu that showcased authentic Caribbean flavors, using spices sourced directly from the Caribbean. In addition to The Calabash Tree, he launched Cove Caribbean, a sister concept featuring a fusion menu with Caribbean influences.

In 2024, Ryan opened his first sit-down dining establishment at Sheepfolds Stables, offering signature Trinidadian dishes. His contributions to the Northern food scene have not gone unnoticed, earning him a spot as a finalist in the 2025 Be Inclusive Hospitality Awards in the Caribbean food category.

Ryan McVay Age

Born in July 1978 in Washington, Chef Ryan McVay, now 48, continues to blend his Trinidadian and English heritage into a culinary experience that captivates food enthusiasts.

Ryan McVay Great British Menu

Sunderland chef Ryan McVay is a contestant on the BBC show Great British Menu series 21. He is among the regional chefs taking part in the North East & Yorkshire heats, alongside Jamie Keeble, Cal Byerley and Weike Zhao. Ryan’s menu celebrates North East Film talent, including Ridley Scott, and combines his love of film and Caribbean food.

Speaking about the experience, Ryan told the Sunderland Echo: “Being selected to represent the North East is something I’m really proud of. There’s so much talent in this region, so to be chosen is a huge honour. It pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, but it was an incredible experience and a chance to showcase Caribbean food on a national stage.”

Ryan McVay Nationality

He is of English nationality.

Ryan McVay Ethnicity

Ryan is of mixed ethnicity. He was born to a Trinidadian mother and an English father.

Instagram

Ryan McVay’s Instagram handle is @the_calabash_tree.