John Torode

John Torode is a celebrated chef, restaurateur and cookbook author renowned for his straight-talking approach to food and his expertise in championing British produce and rare breed meats. He co-presented BBC's MasterChef from 2005 until 2025, judging thousands of aspiring cooks and earning widespread recognition for his unscripted, genuine mentoring style across multiple series including Celebrity MasterChef and Junior MasterChef. He was awarded an MBE in 2023 and continues to share his culinary passion through live demonstrations, corporate events and his popular ITV series John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen, inspiring audiences with practical cooking insights, stories from his remarkable career, and his commitment to quality ingredients and authentic flavour.

When John Torode opened Smiths of Smithfield in 2000, he transformed a Grade II listed building in the heart of London's historic meat market into one of the capital's most enduring culinary destinations. The Australian-born chef had already made his mark by introducing Australasian cuisine to British diners during his time with the Conran Group, working his way from Pont de La Tour to becoming Head Chef at Mezzo, then one of Europe's largest restaurants. His approach to cooking, rooted in exceptional ingredients and uncompromising standards, would go on to shape not only his restaurants but also his two-decade journey as the co-presenter of BBC's MasterChef from 2005 until 2025, where his straight-talking style and genuine mentorship resonated with millions of viewers across the original series, Celebrity MasterChef, and Junior MasterChef.

Throughout his career, John has championed British produce with particular passion for rare breed meats, building lasting relationships with small-scale farmers and butchers across the country. His expertise extends beyond the kitchen into food writing and publishing, with cookbooks including the James Beard Award-winning The Mezzo Cookbook, John Torode's Beef, and John Torode's Chicken and Other Birds, each reflecting his commitment to quality ingredients and accessible techniques. His television work has taken him far beyond MasterChef, with travel series exploring culinary traditions across Asia, the Middle East, Ireland, and Australia, whilst his ITV show John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen, co-hosted with his wife Lisa Faulkner since 2019, continues to bring practical cooking inspiration to home audiences. Recognised with an MBE in 2023, John remains a respected voice in British food culture, regularly contributing to publications including Olive, BBC Good Food, and Radio Times.

At corporate events, culinary demonstrations, and speaking engagements, John shares the knowledge gained from decades at the forefront of the industry with warmth and authenticity. Audiences benefit from his practical insights into ingredient sourcing, his stories of building successful restaurant ventures, and his philosophy that great cooking starts with respect for produce and clarity of flavour. Whether discussing the evolution of British dining, the importance of supporting local food networks, or lessons learned from mentoring thousands of aspiring cooks, he connects with audiences through his approachable manner and genuine enthusiasm. His ability to demystify culinary techniques whilst inspiring confidence makes him a compelling presence for brands, food festivals, and organisations seeking to engage audiences with meaningful, lasting impact.