James Durrant

James has over 16 years’ experience in Michelin-starred restaurants. Early in his career he moved to London where he worked at the three Michelin star Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea. He later became senior sous chef at Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s Restaurant.

Two years later James was head chef for the opening of Maze with Jason Atherton. The new restaurant went on to win numerous awards including a Michelin star in the first year and James won the prestigious Caterer and Hotel Keepers Acorn Award for young achievers.

In March 2012 James took over The Plough Inn, Longparish with his wife Louise. Only six months after opening, The Plough Inn was awarded the UK Pub of the Year Award by the Good Food Guide. It now holds two AA rosettes and has been included in the 2014 Michelin Guide and awarded a BIB Gourmand rating for the second year running.

James’ menu celebrates the bravery shown during the war and how we have progressed as a nation with what is available to us now. While researching his menu for the competition, he discovered that his wife’s grandfather served in the army during the war and, aged just 17, was one of the first to land on the beaches on D Day.