Who is chef Tommy Thorn MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 finalist?

Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023, which airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Monday 23 October, we find out more about the chefs taking part.

Introducing Tommy Thorn, Head Chef at The Ethicurean, Bristol.

Tommy is classically trained and has spent the last ten years working in award-winning restaurants across the UK.

He recently moved back to work in Bristol and now lives in Weston-super-Mare with his girlfriend Courtney and their little boy.

Name

Tommy Thorn

AGE

27

Where are you from/where do you live

Bristol and Somerset

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Tommy started his cooking journey at Thornbury Castle and then spent time in Michelin kitchens including Five Fields and The Frog by Adam Handling.

He now works at The Ethicurean in Bristol.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO COOKING AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

“I wish I had a romantic story about growing up wanting to be a chef but I don’t. I lacked a bit of direction when I was 16 and worked in a kitchen as a Kitchen Porter. It was at that point that my life changed. I found the theatre of the kitchen magical and I knew then I wanted to be a chef. I love the buzz of a restaurant, the way food makes people feel and being part of a team. It’s the best job could ask for.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COOKING AND ANY INFLUENCES ON IT?

“I’m definitely still finding my own style as I believe that takes years. My training under some very talented chefs has a huge influence on how I like to cook, which includes a focus on intricacy and big flavours. My travels in Asia also had a big impact as I like to cook what I enjoy to eat myself.”

WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS?

“I’ve always been a massive fan of the show from the early days of my career. I found it really inspiring and still do. My girlfriend gave me the push I needed to send my application. I feel ready with my skillset and think I could do well, although anything could happen on the day. I just really want to give it my best shot and show my son that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“Balancing chef life with being a dad can be hard, so any spare time I have I like to spend with my son - going for walks with him, taking him out to restaurants when I can and cooking with him at home. Courtney loves food too, so lots of family time is spent around the kitchen.”