MasterChef winners - where are they now?

by Simon Ward  |  29 April 2013  |   1 comment

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We look at what happened to the likes of Shelina Permalloo, Tim Anderson and Thomasina Miers after they won the MasterChef title.

It's MasterChef finals week again, where one of three amateur chefs will cook their way to the big prize. We take a look at what happened to the most recent amateur MasterChef winners after they won the coveted crown.

Shelina Permalloo – 2012

Following her victory in the last edition of MasterChef, mango-loving former charity worker Shelina has been sharing her take on Mauritian cooking on TV, at events such as the BBC Good Food Show and on the menu at Michelin-starred restaurant Benares. Her first book, Sunshine On A Plate, is published in June. She ultimately hopes to open her own restaurant. You can try Shelina's recipes yourself here.

Tim Anderson – 2011

The American-born craft beer bar manager wowed John and Gregg by using elements of Japanese cooking in his dishes. Since he picked up the crown, he’s had stints at Le Gavroche and the Fat Duck and been an ambassador for Malaysian food. He's opening his own restaurant, called Nanban and specialising in southern Japanese food, in Shoreditch, London this spring. He blogs about London food and beer at iamaviking.com. We've plenty of Tim's recipes here.

Dhruv Baker – 2010

The Mexican-born, Indian-raised Baker quit his job in media sales to take part in the 2010 series. Since his win he has been working with Michel Roux Jr at Le Gavroche, at De Librije in Holland and also cooking for private events. He’s in the process of setting up his own restaurant.

Dhruv Baker's griddled prawn Thai salad recipe

Mat Follas – 2009

After winning the title, New Zealand-born Mat found it difficult to raise the financial backing to open a restaurant so he went back to his job in IT. But he persevered and finally achieved his dream when he opened The Wild Garlic in Beaminster, Dorset in June 2009.

Mat Follas recipes

Exclusive Mat Follas interview

James Nathan – 2008

After his victory, former barrister James spent time honing his craft at Bentleys Oyster Bar in Piccadilly and at the Michael Caine-owned Bath Priory in Bath. He then moved to work as a chef at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow and is now setting up a catering business.

Steven Wallis – 2007

The former fashion strategist packed up his bags and travelled the world having culinary adventures. He’s put that knowledge to good use as a writer, private chef and flavour consultant. He still harbours the ambition of opening his own restaurant. He blogged as The Urban Foodie until 2010.

Peter Bayless – 2006

The former advertising man wrote a book about winning the 2006 edition of MasterChef entitled My Father Could Only Boil Cornflakes before going on to work at Le Gavroche. He now cooks at a variety of UK and French restaurants, writes for food magazines and teaches at cookery schools.

Thomasina Miers – 2005

Freelance food writer Thomasina continued her media career after winning the 2005 series, but this time she was the star of her own Channel 4 programmes and cookery books. She also had a spell at Petersham Nurseries, under the tutelage of Skye Gyngell, before she opened a Mexican restaurant in London called Wahaca. One restaurant has since expanded into eight branches and a street kitchen.

Thomasina Miers' Mexican aguachile recipe

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