Andy Hearnden is better known for his online moniker, Andy Cooks.

Rising to fame for asking ‘Babe’ what she wants for lunch, Andy gained over 1 million followers on TikTok within the first six months.

Andy left school at 16 to pursue a career as a chef, a journey which saw him cooking in some of the most prestigious establishments in the London gastronomy scene.

After seven years in London, Andy moved to Sydney, and then Melbourne. Andy worked in a few restaurants and cafés, including a long stint at St. Ali, before joining Emirates as their executive chef, managing over 100 venues in Australia and New Zealand.

Then Covid-hit, and Andy lost his job, and so did his partner, and for the first time in two decades, he had time on his hands.

Like a lot of us during Covid, Andy joined TikTok and, although perhaps to a more accomplished level, learnt how to be a home-cook.

Andy’s platform expanded from TikTok to Instagram to YouTube, and in 2023 Andy was named YouTube Australia’s top creator in recognition of his influence.