LOCATION: UNITED KINGDOM

Marco Pierre White is a chef, restaurateur and television personality, widely referred to as the godfather of modern cooking and the first rock star chef. He is broadly credited with transforming the UK restaurant scene and helping shape modern gastronomy as we know it today.

At just 19, Marco moved to London to train in classical French cuisine under Albert and Michel Roux at Le Gavroche. He later worked with Raymond Blanc and Pierre Koffmann, further refining his technical foundation and classical approach.

In 1987, he opened Harveys in London, earning his first Michelin star in 1988 and his second in 1990. In 1995, he received his third Michelin star at The Restaurant Marco Pierre White at the Hyde Park Hotel — becoming the first British chef and, at 33, the youngest chef in the world at the time to achieve three Michelin stars.

He returned to the public eye in the mid-2000s through major television roles, most notably as head chef on Hell's Kitchen (2007–2009), guest appearances on The Great British Menu (from 2008), and guest roles on MasterChef Australia (from 2011). He has also featured on BBC Maestro (launched 2020), where he shares his philosophy and culinary experience through online masterclasses, and has appeared across major media including Good Morning Britain and national food campaigns.

Marco continues to be a leading voice in accessible dining, with a focus on delivering good quality food at affordable prices. His restaurant portfolio includes Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill (expanded internationally from 2009), Marco's New York Italian (from 2013), Mr White's English Chophouse (from 2017), Wheeler's of St James's Oyster Bar & Grill (revived 2016), Bardolino Pizzeria Bellini & Espresso Bar (from 2019), and Marconi Coffee and Juice Bar (early 2020s).

He oversees the development of his franchised restaurant concepts internationally, with locations across the UK and Abu Dhabi, and continues to develop hospitality projects including The Rudloe Arms, a country house hotel near Bath in Wiltshire.

Marco remains known for his direct philosophy on food and life — often summed up in his belief that he puts interest where there is no interest.