Winchester Chef Luke Emmess Reaches Semi-Finals of MasterChef: The Professionals

Winchester’s own Luke Emmess, Head Chef at The Wykeham Arms, has stormed his way into the semi-finals of the BBC’s prestigious cooking competition, MasterChef: The Professionals.

Luke impressed the judges with a series of sophisticated, flavour-packed dishes, demonstrating his technical skill and creativity under pressure. His first plate in the round, a delicate pea custard tart served with braised lamb, fresh salad, truffle honey, and sheep’s yoghurt, wowed the critics’ table of 30 diners. Judge Monica Galetti praised the combination, “The sweetness of the lamb with the flavour of the harissa and the freshness of the yoghurt – it’s wonderful.”

For his final dish, Luke celebrated comforting British cuisine with a modern twist, presenting a ‘Family Favourites’ Sunday Rib of Beef. Accompanied by onion glaze, fondant potatoes, parsnip purée, asparagus, Chantenay carrots, truffle cauliflower cheese, a Yorkshire pudding filled with beef, horseradish, and watercress, and served with a rich beef red wine sauce combined with horseradish cream, the dish showcased both technique and heart. Judge Matt Tebbutt commented, “This overall is a very accomplished Sunday Roast!” Luke’s achievement was further recognised by Marcus Wareing, who said, “It was a good plate of food – tasty!”

On hearing the news of his progression, Luke said: “I am very proud and happy that I am part of the final eight. I don’t want to stop there though, my expectations for myself keep getting higher.”

Luke has been Head Chef at the two AA Rosette Fuller’s pub, The Wykeham Arms, in Winchester for six years, creating seasonal, inventive dishes that elevate traditional British pub cuisine. His participation in MasterChef has put the spotlight on his flair for flavour and dedication to modern British gastronomy.

Fans can experience some of Luke’s creativity firsthand at The Wykeham Arms, where the team is planning special tasting evenings.

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Georgina Wald         020 8996 2198            georgina.wald@fullers.co.uk    

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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.