HSDC is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of former South Downs student, Luke Emmess, who has reached the final of the BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals – one of the UK’s most prestigious culinary competitions.
Luke, who is currently Head Chef at The Wykeham Arms in Winchester, has built an outstanding reputation in the hospitality industry since leaving South Downs, holding two AA Rosettes and earning acclaim for his skill, dedication and creativity in the kitchen.
Luke studied catering at South Downs College (now HSDC South Downs) from 2007 to 2012, beginning on a school programme before progressing to full-time study. During his time at College, he successfully achieved his NVQ Levels 1, 2 and 3, going above and beyond by specialising in both larder and pastry.
This particularly demanding route was an early sign of his incredible dedication, as students are typically required to choose just one discipline. Reflecting on his journey, Luke credits South Downs as a key influence in shaping his career:
“I’d always been interested in food, but it was College that truly inspired me. They taught me the correct ways of doing things from an early stage – those standards have stayed with me and shaped who I am as a chef today.”
Alongside his extensive work in leading kitchens, Luke has certainly made his mark on the competitive culinary scene. Notably, he won Fuller’s Chef of the Year in 2016, judged by renowned industry figures including Pierre Koffmann. Reaching the final of MasterChef marked another major milestone in his career:
“It was far beyond my own expectations – absolutely unreal! It was definitely intense and pushed me out of my comfort zone too, but if you put the work in, it certainly pays off.”
Despite just missing out on winning the competition, Luke was still able to wow the judges in the final with an incredible three course meal consisting of a twist on an English breakfast, Chinese duck and a tiramisu-style dessert.
Beyond his professional success, Luke also reflects warmly on his time at South Downs, highlighting the support he received from staff:
“I got on really well with the lecturers and fellow students. They supported me a lot and made it possible for me to keep going when it would’ve been easy for me to give up.”
Luke’s journey is a fantastic example of the impact of high-quality further education and the strength of HSDC’s alumni community. His story highlights how talent, dedication and the right support can lead to exceptional achievements on a national stage.
HSDC is incredibly proud of Luke’s achievements, and looks forward to following his continued success.