Ainsley Harriott
When you hear the words 'charismatic' and 'larger than life' describing a chef you know Ainsley's name is bound to follow.
This mischievous, cheeky chef is known for his loud personality and even louder shirts and is a great addition to our screens. The popular chef and presenter first hit our screens in 1990 and is now a household name.
Ainsley attributes his zeal for cooking to his mother Peppey. Growing up in South London she encouraged him to cook for family and friends and encouraged an open house. As his mother taught him, Ainsley teaches us that fresh ingredients and preparation are key to successful cooking.
At age 16 Ainsley trained at Westminster College and became a junior trainee at a Verrey's in London's West End. He progressed to commis chef and moved on to The Strand as Chef Tournant but it wasn't long before he was hankering after another passion - music. As part of a musical duo Ainsley toured Europe and when he returned to England he continued in showbusiness teaming up with Paul Boross and touring London's comedy screen. The duo gained several TV credits and even had a record released.
A star is born
Cooking remained Ainsley's first love and he returned to the kitchen working in some of London's top hotels including The Hilton, The Dorchester and Quaglino's.
In the early 90s Ainsley worked as Head Chef at the Long Room at Lord's cricket ground. It was here he was asked to present More Nosh, Less Dosh on BBC Radio 5 and it wasn't long before he went on to become resident chef on Good Morning with Ann and Nick on BBC 1. His expertise and enthusiastic personality made him stand out and it was clear that Ainsley had found his role as TV chef.
With his love of cooking and natural flair in front of a camera it is no wonder that Ainsley has been so successful.
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