Winchester Chef Luke Emmess Celebrates Outstanding MasterChef: The Professionals Final Journey
- Guild Secretary
- 6 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Winchester chef Luke Emmess, Fuller’s Head Chef at The Wykeham Arms, has completed an extraordinary journey to the national final of MasterChef: The Professionals, earning widespread acclaim from the judges and establishing himself as one of the UK’s most exciting culinary talents.
Competing in what judges described as “a whole new level” of finalists, Luke consistently impressed with his creativity, technical skill, and fearless innovation throughout the competition.
In a thrilling head-to-head finale, Luke delivered a signature three-course menu that wowed the judges. His creations included, a reimagined English breakfast: A black pudding and egg yolk raviolo striped with squid ink, topped with crispy bacon, served alongside a sausage sandwich and a complex 20-ingredient brown sauce. Hearing there was a sausage sandwich being served Marcus Wareing exclaimed, “Give him the trophy now!”
His main course included an Asian-inspired duck breast, spiced duck croquette, miso-spiced celeriac fondant, and rich duck and plum sauce. Matt Tebbutt described it as, “Playful, and very Luke.”
A sophisticated tiramisu was served as dessert, with layers of mascarpone, coffee and chocolate cream, amaretto cherries, and sorbet encased in a delicate chocolate shell. Judges praised it as, “Very, very delicious… a well-executed dessert.” And commented to Luke that it was “A real joy to watch you develop through the competition.”
The judges summed up Luke’s final, with Matt Tebbutt commenting “Luke is unafraid to rewrite food as we know it,” and Marcus Wareing adding “Cooking food like this in the final is brave and different, all three dishes were equally delicious.”
Monica Galetti said, “It’s been a Fabulous final, all three chefs should be incredibly proud.”
Luke said, “It’s been a journey, we can all leave with our heads held high. The judges’ feedback was far more than I was expecting, it was very emotional.”
A Remarkable Journey
Luke’s path to the MasterChef: The Professionals final is defined by determination, creativity, and passion. Born and raised in Portsmouth, he grew up on a council estate and became a father at 17. Reflecting on his early life, he said, “I had to provide from a young age, determined to stand on my own two feet. People always told me I’m a good chef, but I brushed it off. It’s a big deal to be critiqued by great chefs, and the whole family is so proud.”
From early kitchen roles to becoming Head Chef at The Wykeham Arms, Luke has honed his craft while balancing family life with four children, consistently pushing himself to deliver excellence.
Whilst the MasterChef: The Professionals title was awarded to fellow finalist Gareth, Luke’s performances throughout the competition have firmly cemented his reputation as a chef to watch. From bold flavour combinations to fearless creativity, he has demonstrated cooking at the highest level, earning the respect of some of the UK’s most renowned chefs, along with international culinary great, three Michelin-star chef Norbert Niederkofler who, when judging Luke’s creations when in Italy commented, “You’ve done a great job — would you like to join the brigade?”
Luke however is now looking forward to getting back to normality where he continues to lead the kitchen at The Wykeham Arms, where diners can experience the same innovation, technical skill, and flair that carried him to the MasterChef final. The Wykeham Arms
Fuller’s in a nutshell:
Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC is a premium pubs and hotels business. With an outstanding estate of iconic pubs and hotels across the Southern half of England, our purpose is to create experiences that nourish the soul. At our heart is the warm and inviting welcome of a fantastic pub or hotel, delivered by an exceptional team of over 5,000 talented individuals. We have been delighting our customers – with delicious, fresh, seasonal food, an exciting drinks range, and wonderful bedrooms – for over 180 years. Fuller’s has 184 Managed Pubs and Hotels, with 1,011 bedrooms and 153 Tenanted Inns, all aiming to ensure that everyone leaves that little bit happier than they arrived.
For more information:
Georgina Wald
Tel: 020 8996 2198
Email: georgina.wald@fullers.co.uk
Maureen Heffernan
Tel: 07860 529242
Email: maureenheffernan@leisurepr.co.uk