The pastry team from the Landmark London in Marylebone have been crowned champions of Channel 4's Bake Off: The Professionals 2023.
In an exciting culmination, the pastry team from the Landmark London in Marylebone has emerged as the champions of Channel 4's Bake Off: The Professionals 2023. Head pastry chef Mauro Di Lieto and pastry sous chef Daniel Schevenels clinched the title in the eighth series of the competition, surpassing the finalists Annie and Subin from the Dorchester in Mayfair and Andrew and Raf from Harwoods Patisserie in Wigan.
Mauro Di Lieto has been at the helm as head pastry chef at the Landmark London for more than four years, and his collaboration with Daniel Schevenels, who joined in September 2021, proved to be a winning formula.
The victorious duo left a lasting impression on judges Benoit Blin, chef pâtissier at Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, and Cherish Finden, formerly the executive pastry chef of the Pan Pacific London Hotel. Their winning creation, a chocolate and salted caramel Swiss roll with banana cremeux and peanut butter, showcased their exceptional talent and creativity.
Following the announcement of the results, Blin said: 'It was a very tough decision, but we are very happy with Mauro and Daniel. They've worked their socks off all throughout the competition.'
In the wake of their victory, the pastry duo from the Landmark London has crafted a brand-new afternoon tea experience at the hotel, drawing inspiration from their award-winning desserts and pastries featured on the show.
Di Lieto said: 'Being a part of Bake Off: The Professionals was an unforgettable and life-changing experience. Not only was the competition tough and talent abundant, but it really challenged our creativity and technical abilities. We've come back to the Landmark London inspired and brimming with ideas, starting with our new afternoon tea which is a must-try experience when visiting London.'
Fergus Stewart, who serves as both the chief executive of the Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company and the general manager of the Landmark London added: 'Mauro and Daniel have been an asset to our hotel for many years. Not only have they crafted our renowned High Palms High Tea, known across the country, but they serve up to 900 guests per day with no compromise on quality. I'm thrilled to see their talents recognised and accredited on the show when competing against such tough competition, and I look forward to the creations they have planned for the hotel.'
This year's contestants in Bake Off: The Professionals hailed from various establishments, including Lexington Catering, Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Bisou Bisou in Manchester, and London's Meraki Baking Studio.