James Martin

James Martin is best known as the presenter of BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, which he hosted between 2006 and 2016. He's now the host of Saturday Morning with James Martin on ITV. James started his formal training to become a chef at Scarborough Technical College in 1988 and went on to further his skills at Hostellerie De Plaisance, Saint-Émilion, and Maison Troisgros in France before joining Anthony Worrall Thompson's 'One Ninety Queen's Gate restaurant in London. 

He became head chef at just 22 when he joined Hotel Du Vin and went on to work in some of the best restaurants in London including Harvey’s in Wandsworth, The Square in Mayfair, and Alastair Little in Soho. James Martin has been on our TV screen for over 20 years, hosting Saturday Kitchen, as well as making appearances on Ready Steady Cook, and The Great British Menu, and is a regular on This Morning. 

James was born in North Yorkshire in the town of Malton. His passion for food started when he was a young boy after his Dad became the catering manager at Castle Howard, where at just 12 years old, James helped cook dinner for the Queen Mother when she visited the estate. When he started his training at Scarborough Technical College in 1988, he won student of the year for three years running and believes he owes his whole career to his lecturer, who encouraged him to aim high and fulfill his dream of being a chef. 

Since then not only has he built up a successful TV career, but he has also published 20 best-selling cookbooks and owns a number of restaurants all over the country, and is the Executive Chef for Virgin Train East Coast, where he is responsible for developing all the first class menus. Throughout his career, he has been with his long-term partner, TV producer Louise Davis since 2011 and has two dogs, Ralph and Cooper. If you fancy delicious, traditional dishes, try out our James Martin recipe collection which is full of simple recipes suitable for all the family.