A CORDON Bleu chef has swapped celebrity dinners for traditional pie and mash to fulfil his nan’s dream.

Antonio Taylor, known to everyone as Tony, has spent years working in Michelin-starred restaurants with Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver.

But now, along with business partner and Colchester taxi driver Dave Wrench, the 26-year-old has opened Taylor’s Pie and Mash in Red Lion Walk, Colchester.

The first shop in their fledgling empire opened last month, and the pair aim to have seven by the end of next year.

They have also agreed a lucrative deal to set up pie and mash stands at White Hart Lane, home of Tottenham Hotspur, and could be employing more than 100 people in a year’s time.

It all began because of Tony’s nan, Brenda.

He said: “She would take me to a pie and mash shop in Walthamstow as a Saturday treat and it was always her dream that I would eventually open one.”

Mr Taylor lives with fiancee Laura in Lexden, but grew up in north London and began working in kitchens for free when he was just 13.

Since then he has trained as a commis and pastry chef, spending time at the Savoy and Claridge’s.

His involvement with Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen project means he is now a personal friend, but he decided to go back to basics after his nan died.

Mr Taylor said: “My nan always said everyone has got to eat. The quality is the most important thing and the pies are hand-made.

“Coming in is like going back in time to the Fifties and we value our customers.

“I chose Colchester for the first as I love the town and its great community. I have lots of friends and family here and we can offer something for under a fiver.”

Mr Taylor will also soon be starting a delivery service and on Christmas Eve there will be free meals for the homeless.

The first shop has a family feel, with brother Jon working there and Dave’s son due to start soon.