Marcus Wareing has had an illustrious career, having worked in some of the best kitchens in the UK, and opening his own Michelin-starred restaurants. While he is well-known for taking over from Michel Roux Jr as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, Marcus has also been very successful in his ventures outside of the competition, building his own restaurant empire.
He is a talented chef-patron and restaurateur with a number of fine dining restaurants under his belt, but his feud with fellow chef Gordon Ramsay has also sparked numerous tabloid headlines. Marcus Wareing has been a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals since 2011 and in this time he has released numerous cookbooks, featured on other TV shows, and still found the time to run three restaurants.
Wareing started off his culinary career from a young age, helping his father pack and deliver potatoes. He found a natural talent for cooking and studied catering at City & Guilds. Marcus’ first job was at the Savoy Hotel when he was 18, as a commis chef. Wareing also worked at restaurants in New York and Amsterdam to build up his international repertoire.
He eventually joined the prestigious Le Gavroche under the tutelage of Albert Roux, where he met Gordon Ramsay. This was the beginning of a wonderful partnership with the chef; they worked together for 15 years. Marcus became Gordon’s protégé as his sous chef at Aubergine, and was heralded as the Young Chef of the Year. Marcus went on to become head chef of L’Oranger and opened Michelin-starred Petrus with Ramsay, but the two eventually fell out. Marcus has since branched out on his own to create his culinary empire in London.
Marcus Wareing Restaurants
Marcus owns quite a few impressive restaurants including his eponymous Michelin-starred flagship restaurant. Below, we’ve detailed everything you need to know about the chef's clutch of restaurants in the capital.
MARCUS, Belgravia
Why: MARCUS is known for being a contemporary British fine dining restaurant, where you can expect dishes such as roast Orkney scallop, glazed wood pigeon, and marinated tuna with yuzu and truffles. The food is Michelin-rated but the atmosphere of the establishment is relaxed.
Where: The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL
Tredwells, Covent Garden
Why: Tredwells is the more accessible of Wareings' restaurants, with stunning plates of Lake District venison haunch or roasted halibut for mains as well as a tasting menu dedicated to vegans. The kitchen is helmed by the talented chef-patron Chantelle Nicholson, who has worked with Marcus for several years on projects.
Where: 4A Upper Street Martin's Lane, WC2H 9NY
The Gilbert Scott, Euston
Why: The Gilbert Scott is a grand dining room experience set within a 19th century feasting hall of the elegant St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. The menu is a fresh take on classics, such as slow-cooked pheasant and root vegetable stew, made using great seasonal British produce.
Where: St Pancras Renaissance London Hotel, Euston Road, NW1 2AR
For more MasterChef: The Professionals news, we’ve also answered your questions about Marcus’ co-star Monica Galetti.