Chef's CV - Nigel Ramsbottom

Chef's CV

Background: Born in Doncaster in 1962, Nigel's parents worked as market traders in the Yorkshire town. As a child, Nigel was looked after by his gran and he developed a love of cooking, his early memories include cooking packet cake mixes for his parents.

Having decided to become a chef, Nigel opted for home economics over metalwork at school in Doncaster. "It was great as I was the only boy in a class full of pretty girls," he jokes.

Experience: Enrolled on a catering course at Doncaster College and enjoyed work experience at Wentbridge House in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. He took a job at the hotel after completing the course.

After five years Nigel joined the Miller Howe Hotel in Windermere, Cumbria, before moving on to work at Thackeray's House in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. There, he worked up to sous chef, then left to join Franco Taruschio at the Walnut Tree Inn at Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. He worked as sous chef at the Walnut Tree for six years, then, in 1999, took over the Swan.

Ambition: Nigel aims to get involved in TV cookery shows.