From foraging in Arctic Sweden to fine dining in Stockholm, discover the flavours, people and places that inspired MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 winner Gareth Baty. Now you can follow in his footsteps, experience his exclusive signature dish and even have Gareth join you as your private chef.
Gareth Baty - Masterchef The Professionals Winner 2026
From forest to feast: A Swedish culinary adventure
What happens when you take one of Britain’s most exciting chefs, introduce him to the forests of Arctic Sweden, surround him with exceptional local ingredients and give him the freedom to create?
For Gareth Baty, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2026, the result was an extraordinary culinary journey through Sweden, one that would inspire a signature dish at Arctic Retreat, a memorable cooking experience in Stockholm and an exclusive four course tasting menu at Home House, London’s prestigious private members’ club.
At Off The Map Travel, we believe that the most memorable experiences come from connecting with the people, traditions and landscapes of a destination.
We invited Gareth to experience Sweden through its food, from foraging in the forests and discovering traditional ingredients at local markets to cooking over an open fire beside the river.
And now, this is a journey you can experience for yourself.
Foraging with Eva Gunnare in Arctic Sweden
Gareth’s culinary adventure took him deep into Arctic Sweden, where the surrounding forests, rivers and local food traditions became his inspiration.
Together with renowned Sámi food inspiration guide Eva Gunnare, Gareth explored the natural larder of the north, discovering edible plants, wild herbs, berries and the distinctive flavours found growing throughout the landscape.
Eva introduced him to ingredients that have been gathered and enjoyed by local communities for generations, sharing her knowledge of traditional food culture and the relationship between the Sámi people and the natural environment.
For Gareth, who often talks about being able to taste flavour combinations in his mind before creating a dish, this was an opportunity to discover an entirely new collection of ingredients.
His journey also included a visit to the local Grön Marknad, the Green Market in Gunnarsbyn, where he met local producers, sampled traditional Swedish foods and selected ingredients that would help shape his cooking.
From freshly gathered forest flavours to locally produced delicacies, each discovery became part of his culinary inspiration.
Creating Gareth Baty's signature dish at Arctic Retreat
A dish inspired by the forest, created beside the river.
At the secluded Arctic Retreat, surrounded by forest and the flowing waters of the Råne River, Gareth brought everything he had discovered together.
Cooking outdoors over a campfire alongside local chef Magnus, he experimented with ingredients, techniques and flavours that reflected the landscape around him.
The result was an exquisite signature dish, created exclusively for Arctic Retreat.
Smoked trout mi-cuit
Horseradish buttermilk, dill and spruce oil, sauerkraut, pine tuile and caviar.
Combining delicate smoked trout with the freshness of dill, the subtle woodland character of spruce and pine, and the richness of caviar, the dish brings together traditional Nordic ingredients and Gareth’s distinctive contemporary cooking style.
More than simply a recipe, it tells the story of his time in Arctic Sweden, the people he met, the ingredients he discovered and the experience of cooking in the wilderness.
This signature dish is now part of the dining experience at Arctic Retreat, meaning you can taste Gareth’s creation during your own stay.
After a day exploring the forests, foraging or fishing, you return to your private log cabin, perhaps enjoying your outdoor hot tub before settling down to a beautifully prepared dinner inspired by the surrounding landscape.
It is a very personal way to experience the flavours of Arctic Sweden.
From Arctic forests to the gardens of Stockholm
Gareth’s culinary journey continued south to Stockholm, where he stayed at Hotel Skeppsholmen, a beautiful hotel set on its own peaceful island in the heart of the Swedish capital.
Here, the culinary inspiration continued, but in a completely different setting.
Working alongside Chef Alex, Gareth explored the hotel’s gardens, selecting freshly grown seasonal vegetables and herbs to incorporate into his cooking.
Presented with a joint of lamb, Gareth began developing dishes that reflected both the ingredients available and his own creative approach.
The result included a delicate lamb tartare with lingonberries, alongside beautifully prepared lamb accompanied by cavolo nero and other seasonal vegetables.
The experience brought together two chefs, a shared passion for exceptional ingredients and the opportunity to create something special using produce gathered just moments before cooking.
Dinner was enjoyed in the beautiful surroundings of Hotel Skeppsholmen, bringing another memorable chapter to Gareth’s Swedish culinary journey.
From wild ingredients gathered in Arctic forests to vegetables picked in the heart of Stockholm, the experience demonstrated how Swedish food culture is deeply connected to its seasons, landscapes and local producers.
Bringing the flavours of Sweden to Home House in London
Gareth’s experience in Sweden didn’t end when he returned home.
Inspired by the people he had met, the ingredients he had discovered and the dishes he had created, Gareth went on to design an exclusive four course tasting menu for a special Off The Map Travel dining event at Home House, the renowned private members’ club in London.
The menu celebrated the flavours and culinary traditions of Sweden, reinterpreted through Gareth’s creative approach to fine dining.
Among the dishes was a wonderful combination of wild venison, celeriac, juniper and campfire butter, inspired by the outdoor cooking experience he had enjoyed alongside chef Magnus at Arctic Retreat.
The evening brought the story full circle, from the forests and riverbanks of Arctic Sweden to an intimate dining experience in one of London’s most elegant private members’ clubs.
Every course reflected something Gareth had experienced during his travels, demonstrating how a connection with a destination can continue to influence and inspire long after the journey has ended.
Follow in Gareth's footsteps with Off The Map Travel
The best part? You can experience this extraordinary culinary journey yourself.
We have created a special tailor made Swedish itinerary inspired by Gareth’s travels, taking you from the forests of Arctic Sweden to the historic waterfront of Stockholm.
This is an opportunity to experience the same places, meet local food experts and discover the ingredients and traditions that inspired a MasterChef winner.
Your culinary journey can include
- Stay at Arctic Retreat: Enjoy a secluded luxury log cabin beside the Råne River, complete with a private hot tub, sauna and exceptional dining.
- Forage with Eva Gunnare: Explore the forests with an expert guide, tasting wild ingredients and learning about traditional Sámi food culture.
- Discover local Swedish markets: Meet local producers and sample regional foods, discovering the ingredients and traditions that influenced Gareth’s cooking.
- Cook and dine beside the river: Enjoy outdoor culinary experiences surrounded by forest, with food prepared over an open fire.
- Taste Gareth’s signature dish: Experience the exclusive smoked trout creation at Arctic Retreat, prepared by the retreat’s chef.
- Search for the Northern Lights: Travel during the autumn Aurora season and enjoy privately guided opportunities to see the Northern Lights beneath Arctic skies.
- Stay at Hotel Skeppsholmen: Continue your journey in Stockholm, exploring the hotel’s gardens and enjoying seasonal Swedish cuisine.
- Enjoy private culinary experiences: Discover Stockholm’s exceptional food culture, with dining experiences and personalised food tours arranged around your interests.
Every element can be tailored to your preferences, whether you want to spend longer exploring Arctic Sweden, enjoy additional private dining experiences or discover more of Stockholm.
Make it truly exceptional: Gareth Baty as your private chef
For those seeking something even more exclusive, as an extra add on, we can arrange for Gareth Baty himself to join your Swedish holiday as your personal private chef.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy cooking from a MasterChef: The Professionals winner in the privacy of your own luxury accommodation.
You could spend your days discovering local ingredients, foraging in the forest or exploring the surrounding wilderness, before returning to a specially prepared dinner created by Gareth.
From relaxed dining beside the fire to elaborate tasting menus celebrating the finest seasonal ingredients, Gareth can create a personal culinary experience inspired by your time in Sweden.
Gareth can be booked as your private chef for the duration of your stay, subject to availability and arranged as an exclusive addition to your tailor made holiday.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, travelling with family or gathering a group of friends, it is an opportunity to enjoy exceptional food in an unforgettable setting.
Discover Sweden through its food, people and traditions
At Off The Map Travel, we create journeys that take you beyond the usual visitor experiences.
Gareth’s adventure in Sweden is a wonderful example of what is possible when local knowledge, exceptional accommodation and personal experiences come together.
From tasting wild ingredients in an Arctic forest to dining with one of Britain’s most exciting chefs, this is a journey built around authentic connections, creative discovery and extraordinary food.
Follow in Gareth Baty’s footsteps, experience the dishes he created or make your holiday even more special by inviting him to cook for you.
Enquire about your private culinary journey in Sweden
Speak to our Nordic Travel Designers about creating your own foraging, feasting and Northern Lights holiday, with the option of adding Gareth Baty as your personal private chef.
Your culinary adventure through Sweden starts here.
You can also listen to an interview with Gareth Baty about his trip here:
The best travel experience ever on every level you can think of during a Lapland expedition (food, activities, timings, accommodation, transport, service, equipment…). I highly recommend Off The Map Travel for their outstanding level of professionalism and detail oriented mindset!
Sophie & Guy
Off the Map Travel was great! Alex helped us plan the most amazing 10 day honeymoon to Iceland. He gave us great recommendations and was so patient with us during the planning process!
Tori
I used OTMT to organise a holiday to see the Northern Lights for my partner’s 50th birthday. They took the time to understand my priorities, the kinds of places we like to stay and the things we like to do. They recommended a fabulous itinerary in Norway centred around the Lyngen Experience Lodge. The holiday itself lived up to expectations and I have no hesitation in recommending OTMT. They listened carefully during the planning and delivered the perfect present for my partner.
Alex
Exceptional service throughout the entire planning and booking process – travel agencies don’t get any better than this. A brilliant, seamless experience matched by the holiday experience itself. Would recommend ‘Off the Map Travel’ to anyone considering booking for a Nordic experience ‘par excellence’.
Chris
Amy was a great help with planning this trip. Our trip turned out amazing. I also was very grateful for Off the Map’s Front Desk service, which promptly handled an on the spot issue we had.
Karen
The ease of everything stood out to me. All we had to do was be there at the right time. The dog sledding was the highlight for my daughter and sister. We had the best time! For me, Manshausen was the highlight. We were very lucky and the only guests there for the majority of our stay. The staff was amazing and the food was so delicious. We had moose steak and it was the best meal I’ve ever had.
The cabins were comfortable and we were so lucky to have 2 clear nights where we just sat and watched the northern lights. We were able to get some awesome pictures too.
I appreciate all your time and care with planning our trip! I won’t hesitate to use Off the Map travel for our next adventure.
Kelly
Fantastic trip to Svalbard which delivered the true Arctic experience we were hoping for. The hotels were excellent and the activities – dog sledding and snowmobile expedition were lead by first class guides.
Top tip! The champagne tasting in the world’s most northerly wine cellar in the exceptional Funken Lodge is not to be missed!
Faith
We originally hired Off the Map Travel in 2020 to set up a trip to see the Northern Lights. That didn’t happen, thanks to COVID. But, we persisted and in March of 2023, we took a 16-day trip that included both Iceland and Norway. IT WAS MAGICAL! Off the Map took care of everything! We were pampered at every stage of our trip. The people they hired and the activities they planned added up to a trip that will set the standard for any we’ll ever take in the future. Alex and his team were fabulous! We recommend them without restraint!
Jim & Kris
We – the whole family – loved the whole journey!!
The accommodations, the activities and especially the great people – thank you very much for this fantastic organisation !!!
Barbara
Hello Lucy!! Kim and I had a fantastic time in Iceland! Probably one of my top 3 trips I’ve ever taken!
It was everything we asked for and you did a wonderful job coordinating it all so beautifully!!
Thank you very much and we will contact you again when we get ready to plan our trip to Norway and Lapland!
Doreen
My family and I traveled to Sweden to see The Northern Lights in March of 2023. From the planning process to every detail of the trip, I could not have been more pleased with our experience. Alex was exceptional to work with. His guidance on the time of year, where to stay, activities to do and how to get to and from everything was spot on. I have never used a tour company before but thought a trip of this kind would be easier with some help. I am so glad that I did. The entire week was seamless and completely stress-free, allowing us to truly enjoy Sweden and our time together as a family. I will be recommending Off The Map travel to friends and family and will certainly be using them myself again in the future.
Emily
What an amazing trip we are having. It is incredible. Many many thanks for arranging such an incredible trip.
Giles