Simon Wood
Celebrity Chef
Ready to serve up inspiration? Simon Wood is the secret ingredient your event needs. MasterChef UK Champion and celebrity chef, he brings Michelin Guide recognition to every dish and to every stage. As a motivator, mentor, radio host, compere and author, Simon’s dynamic presence and culinary expertise captivate audiences. With a unique blend of passion and skill, he is the ideal speaker to inspire and entertain at any event.
Biography
Simon Wood's journey from warehouse shifts to the pinnacle of the culinary world is nothing short of remarkable. Juggling fatherhood with three young children on £140 a week, Simon’s life took a transformative turn when he taught himself IT to build a better future. His dedication, resilience, and relentless drive eventually led him to win MasterChef UK in 2015, where he wowed judges and viewers alike, turning his lifelong passion for cooking into a celebrated career as a Michelin Guide and AA Rosette chef.
Now, Simon is pursuing a Michelin star with the same commitment that has defined his journey. His culinary creations are renowned for their flair and creativity, each dish reflecting the hard-won skills he’s acquired along the way. Known for his warmth and down-to-earth humour, Simon connects effortlessly with audiences, bringing a relatable yet inspiring perspective to every talk.
Simon’s charisma has made him a captivating presence at events, from hosting the Northern Marketing Awards to an evening with S-Town creator Brian Reed. Inspire your audience with a story of tenacity, passion, and the belief that dreams, no matter how ambitious, are within reach.
Speaking
Hosting
Broadcast
Topics
Simon Wood delivers inspiring talks that blend his extraordinary life story with his deep culinary expertise. He speaks about resilience, self-belief, and the determination needed to transform personal passion into professional success, drawing on his journey from warehouse work to winning MasterChef UK and running award-winning restaurants. Simon also explores creativity in the kitchen, leadership in high-pressure environments, and the pursuit of excellence in hospitality. With warmth and humour, he shares insights on innovation in food, making fine dining accessible, and the importance of staying true to your vision while adapting to change. His sessions leave audiences motivated to embrace challenges, think creatively, and strive for their own “Michelin star” in life or business.
Example Videos
Publications
An accomplished author, Simon has contributed to several popular culinary publications, sharing his expertise with home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. His own cookbook, At Home with Simon Wood – Fine Dining Made Simple, demystifies fine dining and makes it accessible, while his contributions to MasterChef Kitchen Bible, Gregg Wallace Cooks & Kids , MasterChef Street Food, MasterChef Classics with a Twist, and regional favourites like the Lancashire Cookbook and Manchester Cookbook, have cemented his reputation as a trusted voice in British cuisine.
What do you get when you book Simon to speak?
Simon is an experienced speaker with an audience of his own who is happy to work with you to help you promote your event.
This can include:
Pre-event video
Co-operation in pre-event PR and media interviews
Promotion on social media
Content production
