The 2005 MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers is an English chef, food writer and broadcaster who went on to co-found one of the most successful restaurant chains, Wahaca, inspired by the food markets of Mexico.

Rewind to her time spent in Mexico, where she opened a cocktail bar for friends. It was here that Miers first became inspired by Mexican cooking, its diverse range of ingredients and unique classlessness. Her time spent in the country went on to inspire her renowned restaurant chain Wahaca, alongside her business partner Mark Selby. Also passionate about sustainability, the chain is eco-friendly, sourcing only fresh produce and recyclable products. Before this Miers began her training as a chef at the Ballymaloe Cookery School in East Cork. From here she went on to enjoy an impressive win in the BBC TV show MasterChef on which she was known for her bold and eccentric cooking style. Following her win, Miers worked alongside chef Skye Gyngell at the Michelin Starred Petersham Nurseries.

Now a popular author and TV presenter, Miers has published a collection of cookery books including Mexican Food Made Simple and Cook: Smart Seasonal Recipes for Hungry People. She also writes a weekly column for The Guardian. Having presented countless food programmes, Miers has appeared on BBC Breakfast, The Apprentice: Your Fired and her TV series Wild Gourmets, A Cook’s Tour of Spain and Mexican Food Made Simple. Having enjoyed a highly successful career in the catering industry, Miers was made an OBE following her recognition in The New Year’s Honours List in 2019.