Who is chef Ishmael Clarke, MasterChef: The Professionals 2022 contestant?
Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2022, which airs on BBC One every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2 november, we find out more about the chefs taking part.
Introducing Ishmael Clarke, Senior Chef de Partie at Wiltons, London
He has previously worked at The Wolseley and Pollen Street Social.
NAME
Ishamel
AGE
25
Where are you from/where do you live?
Enfield, North London
What type of a chef are you?
Senior Chef de Partie
Do you have a favourite type of cuisine?
“My food is modern and new age. My attitude is out with the old (some things) and in with the new!”
How did you become a chef?
“My grandmother was a chef, so I was definitely inspired by her to cook. It was part of
my childhood, being around food and cooking so it felt like a natural step. I love seeing how happy food can make people and watching people smile whilst eating my food is why I love it.”
Where have you worked?
Trained at Waltham Forest College; Senior Chef de Partie at The Wolseley; Senior Chef de Partie at Pollen Street Social
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals? “I have a mini fear of competitions, but I also want to be the best at what I do. I want to overcome that fear and put my name out there. And I won’t achieve that by hiding away my potential.”
For 17 years, The Staff Canteen has been the meeting place for chefs and hospitality professionals—your stories, your skills, your space.
Every recipe, every video, every news update exists because this community makes it possible.
We’ll never hide content behind a paywall, but we need your help to keep it free.
If The Staff Canteen has inspired you, informed you, or simply made you smile, chip in £3—less than a coffee—to keep this space thriving.
Together, we keep the industry connected. Together, we move forward.

