Landmark London pastry chefs win Bake Off: The Professionals 2023

The pastry team from the Landmark London in Marylebone have been crowned champions of Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals 2023.

Head pastry chef Mauro Di Lieto and pastry sous chef Daniel Schevenels won the eighth series of the competition, beating finalists Annie and Subin from the Dorchester in Mayfair and Andrew and Raf from Harwoods Patisserie in Wigan.

Di Lieto has worked as head pastry chef at the Landmark London for over four years and in collaboration with Schevenels since September 2021.

The winners impressed judges Benoit Blin, chef pâtissier at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, and Cherish Finden, formerly executive pastry chef of the Pan Pacific London Hotel, with their chocolate and salted caramel Swiss roll with banana cremeux and peanut butter.

After the results were announced, Blin said: “It was a very tough decision, but we are very happy with Mauro and Daniel. They’ve worked their socks off all throughout the competition.”

Following their win, the duo from the Landmark London have designed a new afternoon tea at the hotel inspired by their winning desserts and pastries from the show.

Di Lieto said: “Being a part of Bake Off: The Professionals was an unforgettable and life-changing experience. Not only was the competition tough and talent abundant, but it really challenged our creativity and technical abilities. We’ve come back to the Landmark London inspired and brimming with ideas, starting with our new afternoon tea which is a must-try experience when visiting London."

Fergus Stewart, chief executive of the Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company and general manager of the Landmark London, added: “Mauro and Daniel have been an asset to our hotel for many years. Not only have they crafted our renowned High Palms High Tea, known across the country, but they serve up to 900 guests per day with no compromise on quality.

"I’m thrilled to see their talents recognised and accredited on the show when competing against such tough competition, and I look forward to the creations they have planned for the hotel.”

Participants in this year’s Bake Off: The Professionals included Lexington Catering, Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Bisou Bisou in Manchester and London’s Meraki Baking Studio.