James Martin

James Martin is one of the most recognisable UK chefs , having formerly appeared on screens every weekend for over ten years as host of Saturday Kitchen. His Northern charm combined with natural wit makes him an ideal choice for  awards host , after dinner speaker , or for a cookery demonstration.

Antony Worrall Thompson brought James to London to work in the kitchens of 190 Queensgate, followed by dell'Ugo. In 1994, at the tender age of 22, he opened the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester as Head Chef, such was the success of the venture, that there was an eight-week waiting list for a table during the weekend.

James was the host of Saturday Kitchen, which regularly huge viewing figures, with 2.4 million viewers tuning in to watch James’ final show.

He was a regular team member on Ready Steady Cook (BBC 2) and in autumn 2006 gained a whole new army of fans with his new found prowess on the dance floor in Strictly Come Dancing (BBC1) where he reached the semi-finals.

James was featured in a prime time BBC 2 special during Christmas 2008 – The Real Italian Job. The show saw James live his dream of racing in the exclusive Millie Miglia race in Italy in a vintage sports car. The show attracted over 3.5 million viewers and has cemented James' role as a car enthusiast and expert. James is also an aficionado of planes and bikes, and holds a pilot’s licence.

As well as his television work, James is a keen journalist and has written a weekly column in the Mail on Sunday's Live magazine on cars and motoring, as well as writing food columns for BBC Good Food Magazine, Delicious and Ideal Home. He has also authored a host of cook books, and his autobiography, ‘Driven’.

In other ventures, James is involved in Picnic2u, which delivers freshly made picnics and hampers to hungry Londoners, is a consultant for Thomas Cook airlines in developing their in-flight menus, and endorses several ranges of kitchenware. He also works alongside P&O Cruises setting up their on-board cookery school.

His restaurants have seen success, with The Talbot in North Yorkshire being placed in the Michelin Guide.

James's message about food has always been the same – he has been passionate about celebrating British food, using the best ingredients possible and creating simple, delicious recipes accessible to all.

James is an exemplary choice for awards events, after dinner speaking, and cookery demonstrations.