MasterChef finalist George Birtwell lands new role with Tommy Banks
George Birtwell, finalist of MasterChef: The Professionals 2024, has landed a new role working with chef Tommy Banks.
Previously senior sous chef at Michelin-starred The Black Swan in Oldstead, George will now step across to The Tommy Banks Group’s Events Hospitality division to work as events head chef.
TB Hospitality provide sporting, corporate and private events across the country. They range from intimate dinners to large-scale festivals at grounds such as Twickenham, Lord’s Cricket Ground and Silverstone.
Made in Oldstead started during the pandemic, as a box delivery service.
George will be looking after culinary development, alongside head chef Tom Dale, as well as working closely with hospitality and events manager Ellie Knowles.
Prior to joining The Black Swan, George worked at the likes of True Foods, two-Michelin-starred Ynyshir and Michelin-starred Northcote Manor. He lost out in the final of MasterChef to Dan Merriman.
“I’m so excited by my new role, but also hugely comforted to remain a part of a company that I’ve grown to love so much,” said George.
“Working at The Black Swan was an eye-opening experience – I’m in awe of what our team there achieves, and I’ve learnt a huge amount from working with Callum (Leslie) and Tommy.
“My new role is very different – instead of creating a tasting menu for 38 people, we’re now looking at menus for 700 plus and working out how we can continue to bring our ethos and innovation to this offering.”
Tommy said: “I’m delighted George will be joining us at TB Hospitality - it’s probably the fastest growing arm of our business and it’s great that George can take centre stage.
“He’s worked at The Black Swan for a few years, so he knows our values inside out, as well as what we want to achieve.
“He’s up for the challenge and I know he can help us enormously in making a big change in the sector.”
Jack Marmion, general manager at Made in Oldstead, added: “George brings a wealth of experience and expertise. He’s developed some wonderful dishes in his role at The Black Swan and his understanding of the Oldstead ethos suits him perfectly to MIO.
“We’re doing some brilliant things together here both in our delivery and events arms and I know that George will help to develop our concept even further, spotlighting the extent of what we do across the country.”
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