Darren Purchese

Darren Purchese is the owner, pastry chef and creative force behind Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio. He is one of most respected pastry chefs working in Australia today, renowned for his exquisite and extravagant sweet creations. Darren skilfully balances flavours, texture and modern kitchen techniques to produce revolutionary dessert concepts. Darren opened Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio in Melbourne’s South Yarra in 2011 to much acclaim. His studio showcases new and unique dessert combinations and his celebration cakes, edible artworks and dessert table installations are much sought after. With a background working in some of the best restaurants in the country such as Vue de Monde and Bennelong restaurant at the Opera House Darren brings restaurant warmth & hospitality to retail. Alongside him is his wife Cath Claringbold, herself a prominent chef & restaurateur and together they work on creating an experience in store. An open kitchen, irresistible aromas and a sweet soundtrack combine, with a show stopping 4 metre long cake cabinet that is packed with high quality desserts to be enjoyed at home or at the pink tables and chairs outside. Darren’s sweet centrepieces are in demand at some of Melbourne’s most prestigious events. The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, The Australian Grand Prix, Polo at Portsea and even the Logies after parties have all enjoyed Darren’s signature ‘tube desserts’ and cakes. Darren’s customers, fans and prestigious client list all have one thing in common; they’re hooked on his unique and delicious list of creations as well as his charm and hospitality. A natural host and speaker, Darren is an author with a new book out for 2016 and is a regular on television most notably Masterchef Australia.