Darren Purchese

Co-host of Foxtel Original show The Great Australian Bake Off, Darren Purchese has also shared his expertise as specialist judge on MasterChef Australia, written five cookbooks: Sweet Studio, The Art of Divine Desserts, Lamingtons & Lemon Tart, Chefs Eat Toasties Too, Chefs Host Christmas Too and Chefs Eat Breakfast Too. They have been translated and published all over the world. 

A renowned pastry chef, Purchese worked in prestigious kitchens across England and France before moving to Australia in 2005.  He worked as a pastry chef at iconic Australian restaurants – Vue de monde in Melbourne and Bennelong at the Sydney Opera House among them – before creating and opening Melbourne’s B&P Sweet Studio in 2011.   

Purchese is now one of the most sought-after and respected chefs working in Australia today and is renowned for his exquisite and extravagant sweet and savoury creations. He skilfully balances flavours, textures, modern techniques, and traditional methods to produce revolutionary dessert concepts.   

His sweet centrepieces have been in demand at some of the country’s most prestigious events. The Australian F1 Grand Prix, the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival and Logies have all enjoyed Purchese’s showstopping cakes and desserts.   

Outside the kitchen Purchese is an inspirational business leader, a natural host and accomplished public speaker. He is married to Cath Claringbold, a celebrated former chef and restaurateur, and together they ran B&P and their new venture Studio Kitchen. 

Purchese’s customers, fans and clients all have one thing in common: they’re hooked on his unique and delicious list of creations as well as his charm and hospitality.