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Weike Zhao Biography – Weike Zhao Wiki
Weike Zhao, a talented Chinese chef, is a contestant on the 2026 season of the Great British Menu, airing on BBC Two. She holds the position of Head Chef at Wood Hall Hotel & Spa, located in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, which is part of the esteemed Hand Picked Hotels group. She has been leading the 2-AA Rosette restaurant since joining in June 2022.
Hailing from China, Weike embarked on her culinary path in Melbourne, Australia. She relocated there in 2008 to pursue a comprehensive two-year commercial culinary program while gaining hands-on experience at a Japanese restaurant and as a chef in a catering company. In tandem with her culinary studies, she earned a BA in Hotel Management, which nurtured her international culinary perspective.
Upon completing her university education, Weike secured her first full-time chef position and had the opportunity to work in an acclaimed Chef Hat-awarded restaurant in Australia. Her move to the UK marked the beginning of her rise as a prominent figure in Yorkshire’s culinary scene, where she has twice been awarded a Michelin Plate.
At Wood Hall, Weike leads a team committed to sustainability and the use of seasonal ingredients. She creates menus that celebrate the local environment while infusing her own Asian culinary heritage. Her dishes showcase the best of Yorkshire’s produce, harmoniously blended with contemporary Asian flavors.
Weike Zhao Age
Shane (Weike) Zhao was born in China.
Weike Zhao Husband
Great British Menu’s Weike Zhao is married to her husband Ben Owen.
Weike Zhao Great British Menu
Chef Weike Zhao will appear on the BBC show Great British Menu series 21, representing the North East and Yorkshire. She is one of four chefs selected from the region to take part in the competition, alongside Jamie Keeble, Cal Byerley and Ryan McVay.
This year’s theme celebrates British film and filmmakers, with winning dishes due to be served at a star-studded banquet at St George’s Hall in Liverpool. Weike’s competition menu celebrates the North East and the films and actors from the region.
Weike Zhao said, “It’s a huge honour to represent North East and Yorkshire on BBC’s Great British Menu. The theme celebrating British film gave me the opportunity to explore the North East’s cultural identity through food whilst staying true to my style of combining Yorkshire’s seasonal ingredients with Asian flavours. It was an incredible experience to cook alongside other such talented chefs from the region.”
Julia Hands, Chair of Hand Picked Hotels, said, “We are very proud of Weike for representing the North East and Yorkshire in this national television cookery competition. At Hand Picked Hotels, we are committed to investing in talented individuals who demonstrate technical expertise and a clear culinary identity.”
Weike Zhao Nationality
Chef Weike Zhao is of Chinese nationality.
Ethnicity
She is of Asian ethnicity.
Weike Zhao’s Instagram handle is @weike_z.