Jesse Burgess has spent the last decade cultivating a unique reputation in the culinary world. The 35-year-old English chef and co-founder of the media platform TopJaw is known for his ability to connect with top-tier chefs. He has built a body of work that features candid conversations with London’s culinary figures, where they discuss their professional achievements as well as their personal dining preferences. Burgess is noted for his capacity to discuss fine dining without appearing pretentious, a quality that has earned him praise from high-profile figures in the industry.
Gordon Ramsay, a frequent guest on TopJaw, has highlighted Burgess’s ability to read the room. Ramsay notes that Burgess understands his own knowledge gaps and speaks from a viewer's perspective. This approach allows him to explain complex culinary concepts in a way that feels inclusive rather than critical. This specific skill set made him an ideal candidate for Apple TV’s series Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars, which aims to present the Michelin Guide in a less elitist light.
The series, produced by Studio Ramsay Global, follows chefs from around the world as they strive to earn or maintain stars in the Michelin Guide. While the show features dramatic moments such as financial struggles and emotional breakthroughs, Burgess serves as a translator for the audience. Rather than conducting exhaustive interviews, he narrates the trials of restaurant ownership and describes the food with a relatable, conversational tone. He often observes the Michelin galas from the sidelines, maintaining a respectful distance that allows the chefs to be the focus.
Burgess was not initially expected to land the hosting role. He learned about the production after filming had already begun without a host. Ramsay suggested that Burgess fly to Sweden for a screen test during the first season. Despite a list of potential A-list presenters and interest from Apple’s own talent, Ramsay maintained that Burgess was the favorite from the start. His vulnerability in high-pressure situations was cited as a key reason for his selection.
His passion for food and travel stems from his mother’s career as cabin crew. Growing up, he would anticipate her returns with edible souvenirs from her flights, such as caviar from Russia and pastries from Denmark. This early exposure to global cuisine and travel sparked a curiosity that eventually led to a professional career. In 2015, he partnered with Will Warr to found TopJaw, a digital media brand that initially focused on YouTube content based in London.
The early days of TopJaw were slow, with the pair taking four years to reach 10,000 subscribers. The business accelerated after they began posting travel videos, including a viral clip titled 48 Hours in Paris that has since garnered 2.6 million views. The onset of the pandemic in 2020 threatened the venture, but a strategic shift to Instagram and a return to the UK helped the brand grow. By 2023, Burgess was able to make the platform his full-time pursuit, and the company now has nearly 1.9 million followers across various platforms.
TopJaw has evolved to feature not only chefs but also prominent actors and musicians. Recent guests have included Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, and Kate Winslet. The platform has become a significant resource for dining recommendations in London and continues to produce travel content for cities worldwide. Singer Jessie Ware recently referred to Burgess as Mr Michelin, acknowledging his rising profile in the food media space.
Knife Edge has been renewed for a third season, with Burgess returning to chronicle the successes and failures of the chefs he follows. Despite the transition to traditional television, Burgess remains content with his work in digital media. He expressed an indifference to the idea that this role is merely a stepping stone to a larger TV career, noting that he finds great joy in making videos for the internet and in the lifestyle of traveling and eating for a living.
