The latest series of The Great British Bake Off spin-off, Bake Off: The Professionals released its episodes on Channel 4 4 July 2023 onwards. It came with a brand new co-host and new contestants. Andrew And Raf from Harwoods Patisserie are one of the pair of contenders from the show. In this writing, we shall tell you about both of them individually.
Andrew And Raf On Bake Off The Professionals
Good friends and fellow co-workers Andrew and Raf were really excited when they were finally allowed to share the news about them being on Bake Off: The Professionals.
During the introduction, they said Andrew and Raf have known each other for around five years. They were shown to be trusting that their strong relationship and respect for each other’s cooking style will put them in a strong position.
Soon, after the first episode was out, we also learned that these two were claimed winners of the Week 1 competition. The other equally ambitious pair Margo and Ally got second and Martyn and Jenny were sent home. The rest of the competitors, Independent.ie thinks were not half as interesting.
So, Andrew and Raf stole the show on Week 1. But wowed judges with their confectionery creations. The judges also liked how they both were comfortable in the kitchen.
Until entering the competition, both of them had not seen many of the recent years’ episodes. Nevertheless, they knew it would be challenging. “Even things that go wrong give you a lesson in life. The best moment was just completing the challenge in the short time frame, worst was the wait to find out the first (secret) challenge”, Andrew told Wigan Today.
Both for him and Raf, Andrew also shared that competing in the series was a rollercoaster of emotions but overall enjoyable as they were learning a lot about cooking and themselves.
Andrew And Raf’s Age
Raf was reportedly born before 1992. So, he should have become 30 years of age in 2022, even at the least.
As for Andrew, it is known that he was born precisely in July 1991. So, he turned 31 years old in 2022.
Andrew And Raf’s Last Name
Andrew’s last name is Harwood and Raf’s is Perussi. Raf’s full name is Rafael Perussi.
Andrew’s mother is Carol Lesley Harwood, a forever Bolton resident. Just recently, Carol was seen promoting her son’s Bake Off stint on a Facebook post. “Finally we can now share the news. Starts on Tuesday our oldest son is on bake-off professionals xx”, she wrote next to a teaser of the show.
As for Raf, he lost his mom to cancer a couple of years back. Fortunately, Raf still has his dad around. He lovingly refers to him as his “Papito.”
Andrew And Raf Married
Unlike Raf, whose marital status is unclear, Andrew is happily married. It’s with his wife Sarah Harwood that he runs Harwoods Patisserie on High Street. The two set up their shop, the first one, around 2020, providing macarons, chocolates, and patisserie mainly for the wholesale sector.
As of 2023, Andrew and Raf have been together for more than 6 years.
Sarah is the daughter of Paul Frazer and Catherine Frazer of Standish, Wigan, United Kingdom. Paul, her dad, has been the managing director at Heron Marketing Services Ltd. since 1999. Also, he and Catherine have been married Since 19 April 1987. Other than Sarah, they have one daughter named Alice Frazer.
Sarah has always backed up Andrew. Even going to Bake Off was her idea originally. For a few years, she had been encouraging him to “go for it”. And so when Raf too was interested one time, Andrew felt it was right to apply.
Andrew And Raf’s Career
Andrew is a former volunteer firefighter. After around 15 years of career in kitchens, he started Harwoods Patisserie in 2020. The Wigan-based business is said to have been thriving after opening during the COVID pandemic. It sells high-end delights, while also providing chocolate and macaroon classes.
As for Raf, Le Cordon Bleu alumnus, he kickstarted his career at London’s The Wolseley restaurant. Raf also is a DIY-er and an open-water swimmer and skier. However, it is not known if he does it just for fun or also professionally.
As of 2023, Raf seemed to be working full-time at The Villa Wrea Green, as their pastry chef. Villa Wrea is a historic and picturesque country house hotel set in the great surroundings of the Lancashire countryside.
Related FAQs
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Where Are Andrew And Raf From?
The Bake Off makers revealed in its news season that Andrew and Raf met while skiing and that they both are from Bolton, a town in Greater Manchester in England.
But, it appears that is from Brazil that Raf has come from. Also, on social media, one can see him mark London, United Kingdom as his current city.
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Are Andrew And Raf On Instagram And Facebook?
Andrew can be found both on Instagram and Facebook. As of 7 July 2023, his IG @harwoodspatisserie included 854 posts and 2,706 followers. More than a personal blog, this one is a business account for Andrew’s business, Harwoods Patisserie. The page for Amdrew’s shopping and retail also enjoyed some 5.2K followers on ‘Harwoods Patisserie’ Facebook
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