Luke for MasterChef: The Professionals S18 Heat 2 / BBC
Age: 33
Lives: With his wife and four children in Havant, Hampshire and grew up in Leigh Park, Portsmouth
What is your background in the industry?
“I studied culinary arts at South Downs College, where I spent six years training from school age, specialising in larder and pastry in my final year. My first job in a kitchen was at a small local café when I was 14, and throughout culinary school I worked for an agency and through that I worked all kinds of different kitchens. My first serious job, in my eyes, was at Jamie’s Italian in Portsmouth, where I spent five years working through the ranks and different sections.
“One of the most memorable places I worked was The Still & West pub in Portsmouth, because it was my first Head Chef position. I was promoted quite young and had a lot to learn very quickly — it was definitely a sink or swim situation, but looking back it really helped me develop as a chef.
“I’m currently Head Chef at The Wykeham Arms, a 2AA Rosette pub and hotel in Winchester. There are a few career highlights to choose from, but retaining our rosettes would be up there, along with my success in competitions over the years, including the Roux Scholarship.”
How would you describe your cooking style?
“I like to do things properly – no cutting corners but not necessarily traditionally – so maybe a mix of classical cookery techniques but with modern flair and style. I’ve spent the last 10 years in pubs, so I’d say refined pub food (loosely) is my style.”
What are three ingredients you couldn’t live without?
“Butter, lemons, and eggs — all versatile, essential ingredients in any kitchen.”
Why did you take part in the show?
“I enjoy personal challenges and I like to do something that stops me feeling dormant in my career once in a while. It’s good to take myself out of my comfort zone and based on how I did on some previous competitions, I felt MasterChef would be a bold next move.”
The new series of MasterChef: The Professionals is ongoing on BBC One and iPlayer.
