The Lanesborough Grill - BBC Masterchef The Professionals
28 October 2024The Lanesborough London, is delighted to announce its participation in this year’s Masterchef The Professionals starting on Tuesday 29th October on BBC1 with our very own Sous Chef of The Lanesborough Grill, Nkosi Sibanda.
Twenty-five-year-old sous chef Nkosi was born in Zimbabwe and moved to the UK when he was three years old with his mum and three sisters. He grew up in the Corby, Northamptonshire and spent time in Liverpool before settling in London where he now lives.
Nkosi studied Culinary Arts at the University of West London then went on to work as a commis chef at the Michelin-starred Goring Hotel. He then spent a year working abroad in South Carolina after winning a competition through college. Then moved back to London where his roles have included Chef de Partie at the Michelin-starred La Trompette. He now works at The Lanesborough Hotel in AA 3-Rosette Restaurant, The Lanesborough Grill kitchen.
Nkosi says “My brother-in-law inspired me to become a chef. When we were younger, we would go out for food for special occasions and celebrations. He worked at Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant back in our Liverpool days, and he used to take me into the kitchen and show me how it worked. I loved it straight away, the food, the camaraderie of the kitchen and the whole structure of it. It was then I decided to go on to study catering at university.”
“If I had to describe my style I would say Modern British with European influences. I’m a creative person and because of that the vision of my dishes is important, I love presentation and finesse.”
The Lanesborough Grill is located in the richly decorated dining room, naturally illuminated during the day by a domed glass roof while seductively aglow under softly lit chandeliers in the evening. The Lanesborough Grill showcases a seasonal modern British a la carte menu championing regional artisans and the very best of seasonal produce from around the country. Dishes change frequently with key signature dishes served tableside on Gueridon trolleys, creating a sense of restaurant theatre. In addition, there is also a set menu available at lunch and dinner.
To perfectly accompany the food offering, there is an extensive wine list, pre and post dinner drinks in the cosy, firelit Withdrawing Room/Library Bar or a post dinner cigar in the heated outdoor terrace, The Garden Room.