Exose Grant Biography – Exose Grant Wiki

Exose Grant Lopo-Ndinga, better known as Exose Grant, is making waves as the Head Chef at Australasia in Manchester and as a competitor on the BBC’s Great British Menu 2026. Although born in London, Exose spent much of his upbringing in Manchester, where his culinary journey began in an unexpected setting—a local sandwich shop. This early experience introduced him to the world of food service and set the stage for his future endeavors.

Deeply inspired by his mother, who raised him single-handedly and fueled his early passion for cooking, Exose developed a love for the creative possibilities within the culinary arts. At just 18, he embarked on his professional chef career at James Martin, Manchester, where he honed his expertise in both pastry and fine dining over a four-year period.

By the age of 22, Exose had already made a name for himself on MasterChef: The Professionals 2019, where he reached the finals. His inventive approach and daring flavor pairings earned him national acclaim. In the same year, he teamed up with his friend Sanjam Nagpal to participate in Bake Off: The Professionals, further showcasing his versatility.

In early 2022, at just 24, Exose took charge of the kitchen at BLVD Manchester for a year, where he crafted an array of Pan-Asian style menus throughout the week. During the pandemic, he demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by launching Exose at Home, a private dining and catering business offering tailor-made meals, celebration cakes, and event services.

Though his venture Ikaro Manchester—a seafood and grill restaurant—launched in 2023 and closed in 2024, it was a testament to his ambition and desire to draw upon his diverse culinary inspirations. From familial flavors to sophisticated dining, Exose aims to infuse his dishes with heart, flair, and individuality.

Currently, as the Head Chef at Australasia Manchester, Exose continues to run his private dining enterprise. His creativity shines through menus that celebrate the North West, often using produce grown by his mother, bringing his culinary journey full circle.

Exose Grant Age

Great British Menu’s Exose Grant was born in 1997 in London and raised in Manchester.

Exose Grant Great British Menu

Exose Grant, 29, is among the chefs representing the North West hoping to make it through to the Great British Menu banquet 2026. He is competing alongside Daniel Heffy, Executive Chef at NORD in Liverpool, Jack Bond, Head Chef at The Cottage in the Wood in Whinlatter, and Paul Leonard, Head Chef at Forest Side in Grasmere, for the chance to show off their skills during finals week and ultimately cook at a banquet for Britain’s movie industry.

Ethnicity

He is of African ethnicity.

Instagram

Exose Grant’s Instagram handle is @chef_exose.