MasterChef UK News - Where are the MasterChef Winners Now ?

The 20th series of MasterChef grips viewers with intense cooking challenges. Fans follow not just current contestants, but also wonder where past winners ended up. Many left their old jobs to pursue culinary careers, while some remained with their original professions. This variety in paths enriches the MasterChef legacy. So from Thomasina Miers in 2005 to Chariya Khattiyot in 2023, what did the previous winners of Masterchef UK go on to do ?

Chariya Khattiyot (2023)

Chariya Khattiyot won MasterChef UK in 2023 for her Northern Thai dishes. Originally from Thailand and working as a coffee roaster, she became the competition's first Thai winner. Since then, Chariya has brought her passion for northern Thai cuisine to life at 'Khao Soi By Chariya' in Alton, Hampshire.

Eddie Scott (2022)

Eddie Scott, the 2022 winner, has recently opened his restaurant, L'Opaline Bistrot, in Beverley, East Yorkshire. Scott's menu uniquely combines French and Indian flavours, featuring a variety of dishes. Recently, he was a guest chef at the Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, where he made special menus and gave cooking demonstrations for guests

Tom Rhodes (2021)

Tom Rhodes, a former assistant manager at Nando's, skyrocketed to fame after winning MasterChef UK in 2021. He has since built a robust social media presence where he regularly shares his latest culinary creations. In addition to being a private chef, Tom showcases his talents at several food festivals.

Thomas Frake (2020)

Thomas Frake, a London banker, wowed judges on the 16th series of MasterChef with his traditional British dishes. Despite the pandemic, Thomas has been providing fine-dining experiences at home, writing for various publications, and serving as a brand ambassador. He is also working on his first cookbook and shares recipes on Instagram.

Irini Tzortzoglou (2019)

Irini Tzortzoglou, originally from Greece, clinched the MasterChef UK title in 2019 during the show's first all-female final. After leaving her banking career in London, she moved to the Lake District, where she focuses on recipe books and developing an Olive Oil Sommelier course.

Kenny Tutt (2018)

Kenny Tutt, a former bank manager from West Sussex, won MasterChef UK in 2018. He now owns Pitch, a restaurant in Worthing that offers a mix of modern and classic British cuisine, and is also a familiar face on television.

Saliha Mahmood Ahmed (2017)

Dr. Saliha Mahmood Ahmed from Watford leveraged her Pakistani heritage to win MasterChef UK in 2017. She has authored two cookbooks: "Khazana" and "Foodology,". Saliha continues to work with the NHS while promoting her books.

Jane Devonshire (2016)

Jane Devonshire made significant strides since winning in 2016. Jane has worked at Michel Roux Jr's Le Gavroche and published two cookbooks: "Hassle-free, Gluten-free" and "Vegetarian Hassle-free, Gluten-free."

Simon Wood (2015)

Simon Wood, a former data manager, became a celebrated chef after winning MasterChef in 2015. He owns restaurants named Wood, in Manchester and Cheltenham. His cookbook "At Home with Simon Wood" was released in 2016.

Ping Coombes (2014)

Ping Coombes has been involved in teaching street food classes, attending food festivals, and working under the brand name Ping's Pantry. She is the executive chef at Ping Pan-Asian in Selfridges, London, and offers online cooking classes and meal services through Ping at Home.

Natalie Coleman (2013)

After winning MasterChef UK in 2013, Natalie Coleman has worked at top restaurants like Le Gavroche and the Hand & Flowers. She published her cookbook "Winning Recipes: For Every Day" in 2014.

Shelina Permalloo (2012)

Shelina Permalloo, who won in 2012, has brought Mauritian cuisine the people of Southampton through her restaurant Lakaz Maman. She has written two cookbooks, "Sunshine on a Plate" and "The Sunshine Diet,".

Tim Anderson (2011)

Tim Anderson's Japanese-inspired dishes led him to victory in MasterChef UK 2011. He owns the Japanese soul food restaurants Nanban in London, and has penned books, including "Your Home Izakaya" and "Vegan Japaneasy."

Dhruv Baker (2010)

Dhruv Baker, who won MasterChef UK in 2010, has collaborated with top chefs like Michel Roux Jr., published "Spice: Layers of Flavour", and co-founded Tempus Foods, a company that specialises in high-quality charcuterie.

Mat Follas (2009)

Mat Follas, the 2009 MasterChef UK winner, opened the Bramble Restaurant in Sherborne, Dorset, and offers foraging and gin-making courses. He has published three books.

James Nathan (2008)

James Nathan transitioned from barrister to chef after winning MasterChef UK in 2008. He trained at Bentleys Oyster Bar and Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, opened The Green Room at Retallack Resort, and later worked at St Enodoc Hotel.

Steven Wallis (2007)

Since his MasterChef UK win in 2007, Steven Wallis travelled the world, sharing his culinary experiences through blogging, and now works as a writer, private chef, and flavour consultant.

Peter Bayless (2006)

Peter Bayless, who won in 2006, documented his journey in the book "My Father Could Only Boil Cornflakes." He has worked at Le Gavroche and now operates as a private chef, writer, and hosts cooking classes.

Thomasina Miers (2005)

Thomasina Miers, the first MasterChef UK winner, starred in Channel 4 programs and authored several cookbooks. She co-founded the Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca, and published books like "Meat-free Mexican."

Images: BBC/Shine TV. The MasterChef series is available to watch on catchup on the BBC iPlayer

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