A self-taught private chef who lives in Whitefield has won MasterChef: The Professionals series 18.
Gareth Baty, who lives in Whitefield with his wife Katherine and two children, has officially taken home the crown after tonight's final episode that aired on BBC One at 8pm.
The 39-year-old private chef runs a business named The Wandering Cumbrian, where he can be hired for private events, pop-ups, and takeovers.
The self-taught chef was inspired by his mother, Barbara, who was also a chef at Carlisle Golf Club when he was young.
He described his cooking style as "modern British with influences from around the world" and says nostalgia plays a big part in the building of his dishes.
Aside from cooking, he is also passionate about singing and playing blues music in addition to fell walking.
Gareth has been part of series 18 of MasterChef: The Professionals and, after weeks of hard graft and nail-biting moments, landed himself a spot in the final of the TV competition.
Over the course of the series, his cooking has consistently impressed the judges, and he has made dishes such as Catfish, Moroccan-inspired lamb, and ox heart skewers.
But it was his final menu inspired by his family that earned him the win after seven weeks of intense competition.
Gareth's langoustine starter was inspired by his mother, and his main dish, a fancy take on chicken and chips, was inspired by his late father.
His dessert was dedicated to his brother-in-law, a twist on a Brandy Alexander cocktail.
Speaking to the camera about his upbringing in Carlisle he said: "When all the other lads were out playing football, I was at home baking cakes with my mum."
The judges told him his mum "would be proud" of the food he served and described it as "exceptional".
He went up against Luke Emmess, who is a chef at The Wykeham Arms in Winchester, and Irish chef Mark O’Brien, who is based at Willy’s in Margate as head chef.
When presented with the trophy, Gareth said: "This means everything. It's the best feeling I've ever had.
"It's absolutely incredible. I'm over the moon, thank you."
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