James Nathan

With an impressive CV behind him, James Nathan won the BBC's Amateur MasterChef competition in 2008, after throwing in his job as a barrister to pursue his dream profession. Since then he has worked in some of the most famous kitchens in Europe, including Michel Roux Jr's, Michael Caines', Michel and Sebastian Bras' and Rick Stein's.

James enjoys simple flavour combinations and has a minimalistic style which is why he is attracted to the rugged simplicity of rural Cornwall: 'I draw on my experience of working with some of the top chefs in the world, but also taking inspiration from the fantastic local produce on my doorstep here on the north Cornwall coast.'

As well as being a devoted foodie, James is known as the 'surfing chef.' His passion for surfing, Cornwall and his love of the ocean is reflected in the name of the restaurant, The Green Room – a surfing term for being inside the barrel of a wave.