Atul Kochhar is the pioneering twice Michelin-starred chef from Jamshedpur in north India, who has changed the way people perceive and experience Indian cuisine in the UK From leaving his role at The Oberoi Hotel Group in India to move to the UK in 1994, Atul has been at the forefront of the culinary industry for over 25 years. Taking inspiration from his native India, Atul has continued to invest in researching regional dishes; his award-winning cooking a unique melting pot of traditional culinary techniques, the very best spices and ingredients from India combined with the best of British.

Cherish Finden is a highly decorated pastry chef, best known for her role as a formidable judge on Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals. Cherish’s style of patisserie marries food with art, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in a dessert. Her attention to detail is famously second to none.

With over 20 years of international experience, Cherish has earned a plethora of awards over the course of her career. Most notably, she won the prestigious Top London Afternoon Tea Award at the 2010 Tea Guild Awards, as well as Pastry Chef of the Year at the 2012 Craft Guild of Chefs Awards. Cherish also led the Singapore pastry team to win the 2000 IKA Culinary Olympics. In 2015, she received the  Macallan Lifetime Achievement. Until recently, Cherish was the Executive Pastry Chef at the Pan Pacific Hotel in London, where she opened her first patisserie, SHIOK!

Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL is a celebrated Indian-born chef, restaurateur, author, educator, and sustainability advocate based in London. Born in Bombay in 1956, he honed his skills with the Taj Hotels group in India before relocating to the UK in the early 1990s. He co-founded Café Spice Namasté in 1995, which has held a Bib Gourmand since 2005, making it one of Britain’s longest-running Michelin-recognised establishment. Cyrus has since expanded his culinary empire with Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen at Heathrow Terminal 5 and Lincoln Plaza, as well as the intimate Mr Todiwala’s Petiscos in Buckhurst Hill. Recognised for his innovation and commitment to ethics, Cyrus blends traditional Indian and Parsi cooking with classical French techniques, emphasizing sustainable sourcing and minimal waste. A prolific author, he’s penned seven cookbooks, including Mr Todiwala’s Spice Box and Simple Spice Vegetarian, and regularly appears on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and other food programmes. He’s been honoured with an MBE (2000) and an OBE (2010), and holds the honorary title of Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London. Cyrus is passionate about training the next generation, co-founding Zest Quest Asia, a culinary competition that nurtures young talent across the UK. As founder of Mr Todiwala’s artisanal range—spice blends, sauces, pickles, chutneys, and meal kits—he continues to elevate home cooking. Engaging, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to flavour, education, and sustainability, Cyrus Todiwala brings extraordinary culinary expertise and charisma to The Big BBQ Cookout.

Often called the ‘Yummy Brummie’, Glynn Purnell started cooking professionally at the age of 14. After securing a work experience placement in a hotel kitchen, he was quickly promoted to making salads and flipping burgers. A six-year stint followed, gaining experience in every department from banqueting to the A La Carte Terrace Restaurant, where he discovered his talent and passion for fine dining. It wasn’t long before he began winning awards including the prestigious Salon Culinaire. His next professional step was as Chef de Partie at Simpson’s Restaurant where he progressed to the position of Sous Chef. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star and Glynn went on to win many accolades within the industry. After training with top chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, Glynn travelled abroad to work with well-known Michelin starred chefs in Europe. He went on to help launch Jessica’s in July 2003, which was awarded Birmingham city centre, which opened in July 2007 and was awarded a Michelin star in 2009, which it has retained for 14 consecutive years.

Judy Joo is a celebrated Korean-American chef, author, and TV personality whose bold culinary voice bridges East and West. Judy graduated from the French Culinary Institute in New York with a Grand Diplôme in Pastry Arts. Her culinary journey led her through elite kitchens, from London’s Claridge’s and Pétrus to The French Laundry, The Fat Duck, and Nahm.

In 2011, Judy became the only female Iron Chef UK and later starred in Iron Chef America and Korean Food Made Simple, establishing herself as a global ambassador for Korean cuisine.

She’s a regular face on both sides of the Atlantic, appearing on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Saturday Kitchen, and more. Her third cookbook, K-Quick: Korean Food in 30 Minutes or Less, launches in May 2025.

Judy opened her first restaurant, Jinjuu, in 2014, followed by her hit fried chicken concept, Seoul Bird, now with locations across the UK and US, including Las Vegas, Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Citi Field, and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A champion of flavour, culture, and creativity, Judy continues to lead the charge in modern Korean cuisine—with her latest TV show, House of Knives, debuting on Food Network in March 2025.

Kwoklyn Wan is a charismatic TV chef and the author of seven best-selling Chinese cookbooks, including ‘Chinese Takeaway Cookbook’ and ‘Chinese Made Easy’. With his trademark energy and flavour-packed cooking, Kwoklyn has become the go-to guy for recreating your favourite takeaway dishes at home. He’s the star of ‘Chinese Takeaway Kitchen’ and ‘Man With a Wok’, and a regular favourite on the food festival circuit.

This year, he’s swapping the studio for the outdoors in his brand-new show ‘Camp Wok’, celebrating bold East Asian flavours cooked up in the heart of the great British countryside.

Lisa Goodwin-Allen is one of the most innovative and exciting chefs in the UK today. Leading the kitchen brigade at Northcote since the age of 23 and a regular face on Britain’s TV screens, she draws inspiration from the beautiful Ribble Valley landscape to produce stunning dishes which showcase the wide range of incredible produce the region has to offer. As well as being a regular on 'James Martin's Saturday Morning (ITV) and featuring on 'Great British Menu' (BBC) as one of only a handful of veteran judges, Lisa has won many awards.

Mark Tilling is a world-renowned pâtissier, chocolatier, and teacher with over 25 years of experience in the industry. His passion for pastry began at an early age, inspired by his grandmothers and nurtured during his first job at just 16 in a local hotel pastry kitchen. Since then, Mark has built an illustrious career, working at prestigious establishments including The Lanesborough in London, Lainston House, and the Pave D’Auge in Normandy. Mark is a decorated chef, having won multiple gold and silver medals for his intricate desserts, petits fours, and chocolate showpieces. He was crowned UK Chocolate Master from 2006 to 2008 and proudly represented the UK at the World Chocolate Masters, placing 12th in 2007 and 7th in 2009. In 2016, he and his team won the BBC Two series Bake Off: Crème de la Crème, earning the title of Britain’s Best Team of Pastry Chefs.

A passionate educator, Mark teaches at the UK Chocolate Academy in Banbury, Squires Kitchen International Cookery School, and Season Cookery School at Lainston House. He’s a UK Callebaut Chocolate Ambassador and the author of three books, including Mastering Chocolate. He has also been featured on Channel 4’s Extreme Chocolate Makers and continues to inspire new generations of pastry chefs through his classes, media work, and incredible chocolate artistry.

Michael Caines MBE is one of the UK’s most celebrated and acclaimed chefs, a successful and imaginative hotelier, a respected spokesperson for the hospitality industry, and a patron and fundraiser for a number of national and local charities and community organisations. With a life-long career, Michael has built his reputation on a highly personal and distinctive modern cuisine that celebrates the finest local and seasonal produce and ingredients from Devon and the South West and draws on influences from his travels around the world. Michael held two Michelin stars for 18 consecutive years before he took the leap of faith to create his own country house hotel. Just six months from opening Lympstone Manor, Michael and the team were awarded their first Michelin star. Though Lympstone Manor has been the culmination of Michael’s lifelong dream, he is still hard at work on new projects, enthusiasms, and representations.

Michael has been appointed chef representative for the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group of luxury hotels, of which Lympstone Manor is a proud member. Michael appears regularly on Saturday Kitchen, and has made numerous appearances on MasterChef, The Great British Menu, Sunday Brunch and other broadcasts. He has numerous business interests and is extensively involved in community and charity work.

Molly Robbins, also known as Molly Makes Cakes, has been a cake artist for 12years. Trained as a special effects artist, Molly is known for creating impressive 3D illusion cakes, from hyper realistic food to life-size animals, and best known as the star of Channel 4 and Netflix series Extreme Cake Makers. With a life-long career, Michael has built his reputation on a highly personal and distinctive Of all the events Molly is involved in, CarFest is her absolute favourite. ‘’The sheer scale of the festival, alongside the variety of activities and special guests, is so impressive and enjoyable. And the fact it raises so much money for charities is just the icing on the cake!’’

Best known as one of rugby union’s all-time greats, World Cup winner Phil Vickery is swapping scrums for sauces as he joins us on The Chef’s Stage! Capped 73 times by England and 5 times by the British & Irish Lions, Phil captained his country to the 2007 World Cup final and lifted the trophy in 2003. Since retiring from rugby, Phil has brought his trademark passion and grit to the kitchen - winning BBC Celebrity MasterChef in 2011 and has become a champion of great food and British produce. A proud farmer’s son and founder of the Raging Bull clothing brand, he’s deeply rooted in the countryside and is an ambassador for the Prince's Countryside Fund.

Engaging, down-to-earth, and passionate about food and where it comes from, Phil will be bringing flavour, flair and a few good stories to The Chef’s Stage.

Ping stunned the MasterChef judges with food inspired by her Malaysian heritage to become MasterChef 2014 Champion. She took the famous trophy home again, winning BBC MasterChef Champion of Champions in 2022, becoming the first double MasterChef Champion.

Growing up in Ipoh, Malaysia surrounded by amazing food, Ping was inspired by her mother’s cookery. Now living in the UK and travelling globally, she draws inspiration from her heritage but delivers her food with modern twists and ingredients found locally.

Ping regularly hosts supper clubs and events across the country, including her hometown of Bath at venues including Bertinet Kitchen, as well as masterclasses at her Ping at Home Kitchen, and Divertimenti Cookery School.

She’s currently working on her next book to showcase the wonderful food of Malaysia.

Rosemary endeared herself to the nation when she took part in 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here' where she proved she could cook just about anything, anywhere. Her latest programmes include The Big Family Cooking Showdown and the very successful The Real Marigold Hotel which aired on BBC to great acclaim and was nominated for, and won, a string of awards. Subsequently Rosemary has filmed several further series of The Real Marigold on Tour. visiting countries all around the world. Rosemary's The Chopping Block, filmed at her cookery school in Tunbridge Wells aired for two series on on ITV and Rosemary also appeared on Culinary Genius for ITV. Rosemary latest programmes have been incredibly fun - Netflix's Best Leftovers Ever judging some crazy leftover combinations in USA. Fishing Scotland's Lochs and Rivers for C5 and most recently, Cooking with the Stars for ITV where Rosemary starred as mentor for Jonny Vegas in Series 1 whilst Series 2 sees Rosemary teaching the lovely Anton Du Beke. With a over a decade in broadcasting and teaching, Rosemary Shrager’s role in ITV1’s Ladette to Lady cemented her position as Britain's best loved Chef and Cookery Teacher. When she is not teaching, Rosemary spends her time developing new recipes and working on further television projects. Her passions include food in general, inspiring the new generations and sourcing new food products especially those that are organic.

Si is a chef, musician, and TV favourite having been a staple on British TV for over two decades. He has travelled the world and shared his love of food with his loyal audience. Si has inspired and entertained audiences as one half of The Hairy Bikers with his late friend, Dave Myers. Between 2004 and 2024 they fronted over 30 television series and released 33 cookbooks - selling over 6 million copies. Si & Dave became national treasures with their infectious style, their unique blend of food expertise, humour and motorbike enthusiasm.

On 13th March 2025, drawing on The Hairy Bikers' hugely popular series of cookbooks, 'The Best of The Hairy Bikers' cookbook will be published - this is the definitive collection of best loved recipes from the nation's favourite cooking duo. Si is currently embarking on a UK live theatre tour "An Evening with Si King", taking audiences on a trip down memory lane. In this personal tour he reveals more about the man behind the bike featuring interesting conversations, memories and live music. He is an extremely talented singer and musician who has a passion for music. He recently opened grab-and-go pie restaurant PROPA in Sheepfolds Stables, Sunderland. PROPA's staple showstoppers are their hearty home-made pies, which use only the finest local ingredients.

In 2004 at the age of 24, Dave and Steve started The Happy Pear, a fruit and veg shop, to try to create a happier, healthier world and build community. It's gone from the two lads to a team of almost 100, the business turning over €10 million in 2019. The Happy Pear now has 70 vegan food products in nearly 1,000 stores in Ireland, a cafe, a farm, coffee roastery, and a sourdough bakery. They've sold over half a million cookbooks (6 number one bestsellers) and have a suit of online health and lifestyle courses, and recipes, in which they partnered with plant-based doctors and experts from across the globe, having helped over 120,000 people through these courses from 120 different countries. Now all these courses can be found on their app!

Thuy Hoang was born in Saigon, Vietnam. She came to the United Kingdom at the age of nine as a refugee with her family. In 2023, Thuy was a Quarter Finalist on BBC1's MasterChef. She is a member of the judging panels for prestigious UK food industry awards: the UK Quality Food Awards, the Great Taste Awards (Guild of Fine Food), and the Great British Food Awards. Thuy is also a guest chef teaching classes at Jeremy Pang's award-winning School of Wok in Covent Garden, London. She has published articles and recipes in leading food magazines, as well as a review of London’s Vietnamese restaurants in Time Out. As a chef-presenter, Thuy has featured on food festival stages across the UK. Thuy shares films of Vietnamese recipes and passion for the cuisine of her cultural heritage through a YouTube channel Thuy Cooks.

MasterChef Professionals winner 2023 Tom started his culinary career an apprenticeship with Westminster Kingsway College at the tender age of 17. He went on to work at South Lodge, initially focusing on pastries., following in the footsteps of both parents, Dad is Executive Chef at South Lodge Hotel and my mum works in the kitchen at Botanica Restaurant, specialising in pastries. After spending three years in Michelin-starred kitchens at Latymer at Penny Hill Park Hotel and Restaurant Interlude at Leonards Lee Lakes and Gardens. Tom returned to South Lodge as Sous Chef at The Camellia for the last three years.

Tom Parker Bowles has been an award-winning food writer for over 20 years, is the author of eight books on food (including the bestselling Fortnum & Mason cookbooks) and is the restaurant critic for The Mail on Sunday. He is also a contributing editor for Esquire, Country Life and Condé Nast Traveller, plus a regular judge on the BBC’s Masterchef. Tom is a godson of King Charles III, and his mother, Camilla, is Queen.