Growing up in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, John Demetrios’ journey began in the humble local bakery, creating a spark that would fuel a successful international career. He began by blitzing through a four-year baking apprenticeship in just two years and drew inspiration from his mum’s traditional Greek baking. 

 A thirst for knowledge led John to London where he began his classical training aged 19. After years of hard work and determination, John found himself leading a patisserie for celebrated three Michelin star chef Pierre Koffman in his former Knightsbridge restaurant, Koffmann's. 

 This opened more opportunities back in Melbourne, where John led the pastry department at the local institution Circa the Prince, before taking the Head Pastry Chef position at the lauded Vue de monde.  

 In pursuit of expanding his skills, John was drawn to Scandinavia and the Nordic approach to cuisine. He gained experience in Norway and Denmark before settling in Sweden as Head Pastry Chef of two Michelin-starred Oaxen Krog on the Royal Island of Djurgården under chef Magnus Ek. Being immersed in nature with open creativity, John’s style truly began to flourish. It was also here that John met his now wife, Martina, whom he worked alongside.  

 Returning home again in 2017 John became Executive Pastry Chef of the entire Vue de Monde Group. Most recently, John has worked at LK Hospitality as Executive Pastry Chef, overseeing venues including Omnia and Yugen and masterminding decadent hits like the vanilla slice tart and the liquid centre cheesecake.  

 Best known for his fine-dining plated desserts, Dessert Masters marks the first time that John will test his skills in a competitive arena. 

Taking this opportunity to push his creativity to new heights, John hopes tohonour his food philosophy of working with the best possible ingredients and doing them justice. He plans to challenge himself and discover what happens when he is forced to think on his feet and keep his head in the game. 

Inspired by mixing with pastry peers old and new throughout the competition, as dad to Teddy, now two, John is also relishing the chance to set an example for his son on the importance of moving beyond your comfort zone to grow and learn.