John’s culinary career actually began by accident when serving for Her Majesty’s Royal Navy. Whilst deployed with the NATO peace keeping task force off the coast of Bosnia, he took part in a non-chefs cookery competition that was held on-board ship. After winning the competition, he was approached by the ship’s Captain and encouraged to take a place on the naval chef’s course. Once this training had been successfully completed, he gained a variety of catering experiences within the Navy, including mass catering during active patrols, diplomatic functions and cocktail parties. He also acquired good people skills, together with an ability to make the most of both a limited stock of ingredients and utilise whatever work space was available.

Since leaving the Navy, John has continued to gain a wealth of knowledge and skills. He has had experience of working in a wide variety of different kitchens which have included cafés, restaurants, bars and hotels. He has worked in establishments specialising in seafood, gourmet pizza, vegetarian dishes, Spanish and Italian fare.

In 2010 John was awarded the inaugural Isle of Man ‘I Love Manx’ chef of the year trophy. The competition is run by the Isle of Man Government with a view to promoting Manx produce and talent. John’s dish, together with his passion for local ingredients, came together for him to be named the winner. John has always enjoyed a strong relationship with local suppliers and producers. He is passionate about using the freshest and best quality ingredients he can find.

Following the ‘I Love Manx’ win, he was invited to take part in the inaugural ‘Celtic Cook Off’ as part of the Taste of West Cork Food Festival in Ireland. Although John didn’t win on this occasion, his enthusiasm once again shone through and he was asked to return to West Cork to do food demonstrations and specialist nights in local restaurants.

John lives in Ramsey on the Isle of Man with his family. In his limited spare time, when he’s not reading, watching YouTube or asleep, he not only enjoys cooking and baking but can be found in his workshop where he likes to unwind turning or sculpting wood, doing small engineering projects and restoring a 1973 VW Camper-van. If time ever allows, the restoration of a 1967 Austin Mini Countryman and small frame Vespa await.