What have you been working on since your MasterChef: The Professionals 2020 win?

It’s been very busy, despite Covid, which has been great! I’ve done a few pop-ups – from restaurants to cooking in the forest – which brought me to Park Lane. My restaurant at the InterContinental London Park Lane started off as a pop-up last summer before becoming a permanent fixture at the hotel.

Can you describe what diners can expect from Alex Webb on Park Lane?

From a three-course menu to a seven-course tasting extravaganza, I am focused on showcasing the best of seasonal British ingredients across my dishes, while adding my own twists. My menus are inspired by nostalgic flavours from my childhood, combined with flavours from my travels over the years. I also love to surprise and delight, so there will always be some element of theatrics and hidden twists along the way.

What drew you to the InterContinental London Park Lane as the venue for your first permanent restaurant?

I was very lucky to be invited to do a pop-up at the terrace, Number One Park Lane, which went really well and I loved every moment. This then led to my own permanent restaurant inside the hotel. At the age of 27, I cannot express how incredible it is to have my first restaurant in this prime Mayfair location – it’s a dream come true.

Which single ingredient could you not live without?

Fish. I know that is broad, but I love cooking with all types of fish. And my signature dish is my lobster toast.

You’ve trained at some of London’s most prestigious restaurants. What has been you best piece of career advice?

When I was working at The Savoy as an apprentice, someone once told me that while training, not to spend too long in one place at a time. It is important to widen your experience, knowledge and network in those early years, which means working in a variety of kitchens and environments.

What marks London as different from other cities in its approach to food? 

I love how diverse the food scene is – we have everything from top Michelin-starred restaurants to incredible street food places, and the breadth of cuisine is fantastic. It is a wonderful place to learn and live with so much at your fingertips.

What is your favourite restaurant in the world and what do you like to order?

One of my most memorable meals recently was a Korean Michelin-starred restaurant in New York, Kochi, that served a 10-course tasting menu where everything was served on sticks.

What do you like to do on a day off?

I love to eat out and explore restaurants in different neighbourhoods that I’ve never been to. I trust the Michelin Guide a lot for this – not necessarily Michelin-starred, but there are many other Michelin recommendations that are fantastic.

If you could choose anyone from today or history, who would your ideal dinner party guest and why?

I have to say it would be Jamie Oliver – a fellow Essex-born chef!

parklane.intercontinental.com/alexwebbonparklane