I'm Martin Dawkins, aka The Rustic Chef. With over two decades in the kitchen, I've earned three rosettes and even a nod from the Michelin guide!
It all started with Marcus Wareing at Petrus, where I learned the ropes. Back in Hampshire at Le Poussin, under Alex Aitken's wing, things really took off. That's where I fell in love with sourcing and using local ingredients – fresh and authentic is the name of the game.
The Rustic Chef vibe is all about epic food with a sustainable twist. I pick ingredients with a low carbon footprint, supporting local producers in Hampshire. It's not just about delicious dishes; it's about doing right by the environment and our community.
My cooking philosophy is simple – let the flavours shine. No need for too much fancy stuff; fresh and vibrant ingredients can speak for themselves. Every dish is my way of saying thanks to what nature provides.
When I'm not cooking up a storm, you might catch me at food festivals. I hosted the Chef's Demonstration Theatre at the New Forest Show and most recently live cooking demos on the NEC stage at BoatLife 2024. It's all about sharing the love for good food.
So, join me on a fun foodie adventure, where every dish tells a story of passion, dedication and a love for the simple joys of great food that is easy to create. I want to inspire and motivate you to make healthy, tasty dishes using great, local ingredients that don’t cost the earth or take long to make!
If you would like to follow Martin on social media see below for the links:
LinkedIn