Marco Pierre White

Current Role

Widely recognised as one of Britains' finest (and perhaps most rude) chefs, Marco Pierre White worked hard to achieve this status. He has a number of successful restaurants in and around London - 3 of which are bookable as part of a London theatre break with Show and Stay.

Early Life

Marco is the third of four brothers and soon picked up the passion for cooking when he started preparing meals for his family. At the age of 16, after much encouragement from his father to start earning, White arrived in London with just "£7.36, a box of books, and a bag of clothes." It was at this time that his training began in earnest.

A tough training regime ensued for the master chef as he worked and trained under the French duo, Albert and Michel Roux at Le Gavrouche. White moved onto many more established eateries before setting up on his own at The Six Bells Public House. In 1987, Marco received his first Michelin Star at Harvey's, Wandsworth. The following year saw the chef collecting his second award.

After 17 long years at the top of his game, Marco Pierre White returned his three awards and retired from the kitchen in order to spend more time with his family. Since leaving the kitchen, Marco has become a multi millionaire entrepreneur, owning restaurants up and down the country. His partnership with jockey Frankie Dettori has led to success in the form of a wacky pizzeria, aptly named Frankie's.

Career Highlights

Marco Pierre White is most recently known for his appearance as the resident chef and general bad man on ITV's Hell's Kitchen. This was a move that saw White return to the kitchen for the first time in many years as viewers and diners alike put up with his fowl temper and down-right rudeness.

White has also recently released his autobiography, White Heat to the masses, giving an insight into the world of a successful chef, restauranteur and general entrepreneur. Plans to open a restaurant at Chelsea FC's training ground, Stamford Bridge are under way and P & O Cruises are set to use two of Whites' named restaurants on board their new Mediterranean Cruise Ship, The Ventura, which is due to set sail in April 2008. It is, as always an exciting time to be Marco Pierre White.

Interesting Facts

• Marco is renowned for his rudeness and blunt personality: in the 1980's, a city trader asked for a side order of chips. White obliged, and hand made the order for him before charging him £25 for the pleasure.
• White's Japanese Manservant, Mt Ishi drives him everywhere. Marco has no driving lisence and has no intention of learning.
• Gordon Ramsay was once an employee of Marco Pierre White, and the two shared a friendship for a while before Ramsay upset White by bringing a camera crew to White's third wedding. The two haven't spoken since.

Awards

• 3 Michelin Stars