James
Tanner

James began his career in food at the age of sixteen working in a local restaurant whilst still at school. On leaving school he studied hospitality in his home county of Kent.

Kicking off his culinary journey James got the opportunity to work for the Roux Brothers at their two prestigious kitchens in the USA, The Lake Placid Lodge and The Point both in upstate New York. On his return from America James obtained a position with Martin Blunos at his 2 star Michelin restaurant ‘Lettonie’ in Bath.

In 1999, James and his brother Chris opened their first restaurant ‘Tanners’ which they ran successfully until 2014, along the way gaining Best AA Restaurant in England for 2007/8. In 2006 they opened the well renowned ‘Barbican Kitchen’ brasserie which is housed in the world famous listed Plymouth Gin Distillery building which they still run today gaining AA and Michelin Plate recognition. In 2007 both brothers were awarded Honorary Doctorates from Plymouth University for services to Hospitality and Catering.

James and Chris had 16 successful years at ‘Tanners’ when they decided to sell in 2014 to focus on their other business ‘The Kentish Hare’ pub/restaurant in Bidborough, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent which has received several industry accolades and is on the list of top 50 Gastro Pubs UK.

Alongside running restaurants, James works with prestigious partners and runs pop up restaurants at major events. Since 2017 James’ restaurants at Royal Ascot have served up to 1000 people per day and similar pop ups have seen him at Hampton Court Palace RHS Flower Show. Chef dinners in Singapore and food festivals across the UK, Ireland and South Africa.

James also works with companies hosting prestigious award ceremonies for the likes of The Food and Farming Awards and Craft Guild of Chefs. He also works with Sodexo Education visiting schools over the UK, inspiring the younger generation all about food, sustainability and nutrition. For the past 17 years James has also judged the Nestlé professional Toque D’or competition, which puts college hospitality students through their paces in a tough competition scenario.

James’ television career began in early 2001 the presenting opportunities that have come over the years with 80% of his media work being live broadcast.

Books:
‘James Tanner Takes 5’
‘Old Favourites, New Twists’
‘For Chocolate Lovers’ and ‘Ice Cream’  – Co-written with his Brother Chris.

Brand Partnerships & Collaborations:
Matalan
Heinz
Birds Eye
Co-Op
Blossom Hill
Flora
Nestlé Professional
Robert Mondavi Wines
Tesco
Coup de Pate
Arysta
Red Tractor
Salon Culinare
Marks and Spencer

Events:
Ascot Race Course
Hampton Court Place
Independents by Sodexo
Sodexo Prestige

For more information please call +44 (0) 7900 246045 or email: hello@hculinarytalent.com