MasterChef winner Alex Webb launches debut restaurant Orion in Wimbledon

MasterChef: The Professionals winner Alex Webb is set to open his debut restaurant this autumn, bringing his seafood-led, British-French style of cooking to Wimbledon Village.

For Alex, Orion marks not only the culmination of years of work in kitchens but also a deeply personal tribute to his late father and two grandfathers, whose influence inspired his passion for food.

The restaurant’s name references the Orion constellation, symbolising the three men whose memory underpins both the space and the menu.

Alex’s Journey to Orion

Alex’s route into hospitality has been driven by ambition, creativity and resilience. After training at Westminster Kingsway College, he gained experience at some of London’s most respected kitchens, including Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Roux at Parliament Square and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.

In 2020, at just 25 years old, he captured national attention by winning MasterChef: The Professionals, impressing judges with his precision and flair for playful yet technically demanding dishes.

Since then, Alex has built his profile with a series of pop-ups, private dining events and high-profile collaborations, all while steadily preparing for the moment he could launch a restaurant of his own.

Seafood at the Heart of the Menu

Orion will showcase Alex’s vision through a menu shaped by his love of seafood, his French training and his commitment to British produce. The dining room will feature a fish counter displaying the day’s catch alongside premium king crab and oysters, setting the stage for a series of sharing plates designed to be vibrant, seasonal and celebratory.

Among the opening dishes will be mini crab waffles with brown crab mayonnaise, crème fraîche, lime and caviar, alongside Alex’s signature lobster and prawn toast with black sesame and chilli jam. An ever-evolving fish of the day, sourced from trusted British suppliers, will keep the menu tied closely to the seasons.

Desserts with a Sense of Theatre

Just as memorable will be Alex’s desserts, which first won him recognition on MasterChef. He refers to them as “fun things” – nostalgic, playful creations with a touch of spectacle. Cinnamon sugared doughnuts arrive with raspberry compôte and vanilla crème pâtissière, while his reimagined Twix layers tonka bean shortbread with salted caramel, dark chocolate and a scoop of crème fraîche ice cream.

Soft-serve ice creams will also feature, and on Sundays a dessert trolley will make its way through the dining room, offering guests a tableside selection of Alex’s favourite childhood-inspired treats.

Rooted in Local Community

Suppliers form the backbone of Orion’s philosophy. Alex has committed to working closely with British producers, from Badgers Garden’s sustainable edible flowers and herbs to Sanford Orchard’s ciders.

The launch has also been made possible through the support of local investors and a crowdfunding campaign, embedding the restaurant within the Wimbledon community from the outset.

Speaking about the opening, Alex said: “It’s always been my dream to open my own restaurant, a place where people can stop by for fresh, seasonal and delicious British dishes, or stay for something celebratory, and always feel part of it.”

Opening This Autumn

Orion is scheduled to open in autumn 2025, beginning with a soft launch before welcoming the wider Wimbledon community.