James Martin

James Martin

James Martin was born into the chef's life: his father ran the catering side of Castle Howard stately home in Yorkshire and, when he was only 12, James could boast that he'd cooked for the Queen Mother on her visit there.

At 16, he went to Scarborough Technical College to begin his formal training. While there, he was student of the year for three years running. His work was noticed by Antony Worrall Thompson who brought James to London to work, first at One Ninety Queen's Gate and then at dell'Ugo. James then travelled throughout France working in the kitchens of French chateaux alongside the matriarchs of grand old families.
On his return to Britain, at age 22, he worked at the new Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester where, as head chef, he changed the menu every day.

His TV career started in 1996 when he became a regular team member on Ready Steady Cook and he has since appeared in numerous TV shows such as Delicious!, James Martin: Sweet and Yorkshire’s Finest as well as Castle in the Country and Stately Suppers for the BBC. In 2006 he impressed fans with his dancing skills in Strictly Come Dancing. James now presents Saturday Kitchen live on BBC One every Saturday morning, appeared in Sweet Baby James on BBC Two in spring 2007, and took part in BBC Two's Eating with the Enemy.

James is the author of numerous cookery books, including James Martin - Desserts and The Great British Village Show Cookbook, both published in spring 2007. The Collection, a book celebrating traditional British recipes, was released in 2008. James's next book, titled My Kitchen, will be published in autumn 2009.
Outside of his TV work he co-owns a kitchen design/manufacturing company in St Albans, and is a food consultant on the cruise ship Ocean Village.