24-year-old sous chef impresses judges with lobster starter, beef main, and olive oil dessert

Culinary enthusiasts witnessed an exhilarating finale on Friday night as Tom Hamblet was crowned the winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023. The intense competition culminated in a three-course challenge where finalists Kasae, Tommy, and Tom showcased their culinary prowess to judges Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti, and Gregg Wallace.

Tom’s masterful cooking, featuring a delectable lobster starter, a mouth-watering beef main course, and an innovative olive oil dessert, earned him the prestigious title. The judges described his dishes as “absolutely banging delicious,” sealing his victory in the popular BBC One hit TV show.

In a post-win interview, Tom expressed his joy, saying, “It’s been such a good experience. I’ve done it. The trophy’s here. I’m holding it. I couldn’t be happier right now.” The 24-year-old sous chef at Camellia, a three AA Rosette restaurant within South Lodge Hotel, Horsham, West Sussex, shared the exciting news with his chef parents, who work alongside him at the same hotel.

Reflecting on the challenging journey, Tom became an apprentice chef at the age of 17, and his dedication and skill were evident throughout the competition. The final episode showcased the finalists’ unique experiences, including a memorable cooking session at the 2-starred Michelin restaurant, The Alchemist, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Tom expressed his admiration for the experience, stating, “The Alchemist was an experience like I’ve never had before, Rasmus’ food was next level creativity, with so much detail and meaning behind every impression, I really enjoyed my time there and would love some more experience in his kitchen with his amazing team.”

Kasae, Tommy, and Tom faced numerous challenges during the finals week, with each acknowledging the Chef’s Table as the most daunting task. The finalists poured their hearts into their dishes, showcasing their talent and determination.

As Tom Hamblet celebrates his well-deserved victory, the culinary world eagerly anticipates the promising future ahead for this rising star. Stay tuned for more updates on the culinary journey of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 winner, Tom Hamblet.