Sat Bains and John Freeman spotted his talent and have mentored and pushed him to grow as a chef. His versatility in the kitchen was very evident in the 2018 MasterChef: The Professionals series where, having cooked a lamb dish that was so impressive, the Observer Critic, Jay Rayner, said: “I have nothing critical to say!” Fellow judge, Marcus Wareing added: “He is inventive, creative and he leaves nothing behind in the kitchen.  In my opinion he is the next generation.”

Laurence lives in Nottingham, where he worked for two years at Restaurant Sat Bains as his Sous Chef. Aged just 25 at the time of filming MasterChef, he is now looking to take advantage of his MasterChef win and see where this takes him.

Laurence has been interested in food from a young age. He always enjoyed cooking with his mum and dad who are both fantastic cooks. As a student his ambition was to be a Doctor like the rest of his family but whilst doing weekend work at a local restaurant he fell in love with the idea of becoming a chef.

Among his many engagements, Laurence is also working on a range of private dining events where he will showcase his culinary skills for a wide variety of guests. Laurence has gained a huge following on Instagram since the show transmitted in December 2018. He has over 50,000 followers and it’s rising rapidly!

Laurence Henry has now opened his first restaurants as Chef Patron of Cleaver & Wake and Binks Yard in Nottinghams The Island Quarter to rave reviews.