After gaining valuable experience at renowned establishments such as Soho House and Michelin-starred Alchemilla in Nottingham, James dedicated four years to refining his culinary skills. Amidst his restaurant work, he cultivated his own culinary vision, creating menus and organising fine dining pop-ups during his days off.
As the founder of the thriving pop-up, Hash Hut, James showcased his culinary prowess, and in 2023, he made a notable appearance as a contestant on MasterChef: The Professionals. His achievements, both on and off the screen, have garnered pride from everyone at Harper Fine Dining.
Reflecting on his career, James shares, “I love my job for many of the same reasons people may hate theirs. It’s fast-paced, stressful, full-on, and eclectic. I am fully accountable for what I do, and that self-imposed standard is a rare beauty. Kitchens are marvelous, teetering on the precipice of chaos while running in perfect symphony, and I think that’s pretty cool.”
