“Worked Part Time in Pubs While at School”
James Tanner's Inspirational Journey
Career Path: Part time Pub Work > Diploma in Catering Management > Experience with Roux Brothers > Opened Restaurant
“My Restaurant won Restaurant of the Year for England in 2007/08"
My Story: I entered the catering industry at a young age. Whilst still at school, I worked part time at weekends for local country pubs and restaurants in my home county of Kent. I then took a Diploma in Hotel and Catering Management at West Kent College and gained work experience with Roux Restaurants. After leaving education I worked in London, the Home Counties, and Jersey before the opportunity to work for the Roux Brothers in New York arose, at ‘The Point’ and ‘Lake Placid Lodge’. After the USA, I spent an exciting time with Martin Blunos at Restaurant Lettonie in Bath. In 1999 I opened ‘Tanners’ with my brother Christopher followed by the Barbican Kitchen in 2006. Since 2002 I have been promoting food and my industry via media on national and international TV shows, and currently working on my 3rd book. Tanners won A Restaurant of the Year for England in 2007/08 and celebrated its 10th birthday this year!
Funny Story: I did a cookery demonstration with the actor Miceal Winslow, aka Cadet Larvell Jones from the Police Academy movies. He was the guy that did impressions of noises, people and beat boxed. It was the hardest demo I have ever done but one I shall never forget!