Who is Pip Lacey? The Great British Menu 2017 winner who is head chef at Michelin restaurant

PIP Lacey, the talented chef who won the central heat of Great British Menu 2017 is now joining the Great British Christmas Menu 2020.

The graphic designer-turned-chef impressed in the cooking competition and has become very popular after winning the show – here’s what you should know about the famous chef.

Who is Pip Lacey?

Pip Lacey is the London-based head chef who cooked up a storm in the central heat of BBC Two show Great British Menu.

Before she became a chef, Pip worked as a graphic designer, moving to London at the age of 19 to pursue this career.

But she swapped her software for the saucepan in 2008.

After struggling to find work, she applied to Gordon Ramsay Holdings, and only ended up landing a job because she ticked the wrong box on the application.

When she mistakenly said she needed a visa to work, she got a rejection email, which gave her the chance to call and explain her mistake.

The phone call morphed into an interview, which Pip aced, paving the way to a successful career in the kitchen.

On Great British Menu, Pip’s dishes were all inspired by Wimbledon, with a menu referencing the dodgy British weather as well as the Men’s Singles Trophy.

Her starter “Whatever the weather” won in the final.

The 34-year-old worked as the head chef at Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Murano, in the heart of swanky Mayfair, but left in 2017.

She set up Hicce – a restaurant in Coals Drop Yard, Kings Cross – with her long-term pal Gordy McIntyre in 2018.

Pip is a bit of a TV veteran, having appeared on Great British Menu as a contestant before she won in 2017.

She also once appeared on The Million Pound Drop with her girlfriend, but failed to win big.

In 2020 she’s joining the line-up for Great British Christmas Menu.

When is Great British Christmas Menu on?

The Great British Christmas Menu is on TONIGHT (December 8) at 8pm on BBC Two.

Missed an episode? You can catch up on all the action on BBC’s iPlayer.

The special Christmas show started on December 1 and runs for seven episodes.