MasterChef: The Professionals finalist George Birtwell to head up Tommy Banks' events division

The Tommy Banks Group has appointed MasterChef: The Professionals finalist George Birtwell as head chef of its events division.

Birtwell, who competed in the 2024 series of the BBC One show, had previously been senior sous chef at the group’s Michelin-starred restaurant the Black Swan, in Oldstead.

He said: “I’m so excited by my new role but also hugely comforted to remain a part of a company that I’ve grown to love so much.

“Working at the Black Swan was an eye opening experience – I’m in awe of what our team there achieves and I’ve learnt a huge amount from working with Callum and Tommy.

“My new role is very different – instead of creating a tasting menu for 38 people we’re now looking at menus for 700 plus and working out how we can continue to bring our ethos and innovation to this offering.”

Banks added: “I’m delighted George will be joining us at TB Hospitality - it’s probably the fastest growing arm of our business and it’s great that George can take centre stage.

“He’s worked at The Black Swan for a few years so he knows our values inside out as well as what we want to achieve. He’s up for the challenge and I know he can help us enormously in making a big change in the sector.”

In his new role with TB Hospitality he will oversee sporting, corporate and private events across the UK at venues including Twickenham Stadium, Lord’s Cricket Ground and Silverstone race circuit.

TB Hospitality is part of the group’s Made in Oldstead division, which started as a premium food box delivery service during the pandemic.

Birtwell will work alongside Made in Oldstead’s head chef Tom Dale and hospitality and events manager Ellie Knowles.

Earlier in his career the chef had worked with the renowned Gareth Ward at two Michelin-starred Ynyshir, Wales and worked as a development chef for True Foods.