Who is chef Polly Norman on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
With MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 heats coming to a close on BBC One, we find out more about Polly Norman, one of the chefs taking part in this year’s competition.
Polly lives in London and grew up in Norfolk.
Age at start of filming
23
Job role
Senior chef de partie
Chef background
“My journey into food began at home in Norfolk, where I grew up eating my grandmother’s homegrown cooking and watching my grandparents work on their farm.
"At 18, I became a professional golfer, but my heart was always in food. I started cooking in the golf club kitchen and eventually followed my ambition to London, entering one of the city’s top luxury 5-star hotels.
“Since then, I’ve trained in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the UK, including being part of the team that reopened one of London’s most iconic three-Michelin-star restaurants.”
Who and what inspired you to become a chef?
“Cooking has always been about kindness for me - feeding people, creating memories, and bringing happiness. From sitting at my grandmother’s table to working in luxury kitchens, the feeling of comfort, anticipation and joy hasn’t changed.”
How would you describe your style of cooking and influences?
“Nature-led, ingredient-focused, and rooted in Norfolk flavours. Fishing trips with my dad and foraging for samphire and cockles shaped my respect for honest, simple ingredients.
"London refined my technique and precision, but the soul of my food remains the same.”
Three ingredients you can’t live without
“Lemon, butter and little bit of love!”
What do you eat when you get back from service?
“Don’t judge me, but a cold tin of beans straight from the can.”
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
“I wanted to push myself at the highest level and help drive the industry towards more inclusive, supportive kitchens. Cooking should be joyful - not intimidating and kitchens should encourage young chefs to thrive.”
Outside of cooking what are your passions?
“A pint at the pub with my dad, playing piano and guitar and taking my motorbike out - especially if it involves a detour to a doughnut van!”
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.
Support Us
CONTRIBUTE
Who is chef Polly Norman on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
