Douglas McMaster is a British chef and leading pioneer of sustainable gastronomy, best known as the founder of Silo, the world’s first zero-waste restaurant concept. Launched in Brighton in 2014 and later relocated to London, Silo reimagines the restaurant system through a closed-loop approach, sourcing directly from farmers, processing ingredients in-house and transforming by-products into new resources.

McMaster began his culinary career at Winteringham Fields and went on to gain experience in some of Europe’s most influential kitchens, experiences that helped shape his radical, systems-driven philosophy. Early in his career, he received major accolades including BBC Young Chef of the Year and Britain’s Most Innovative Chef, recognising both his talent and forward-thinking approach.

Under his leadership, Silo has earned wide acclaim and multiple honours for its ethical practices and groundbreaking vision, becoming a reference point for responsible dining worldwide. Beyond the restaurant, McMaster continues to expand his impact through educational initiatives, including the Zero Waste Cooking School, and collaborations aimed at reshaping how the food industry approaches sustainability, creativity and resource use.

Silo permanently closed at the end of 2025.