Gary Rhodes

Gary Rhodes is a stalwart of the British food scene, proudly cooking great British standards and serving them up in his London restaurants Rhodes W1 and Rhodes 24 as well as several restaurants internationally. He started his career as a commis chef in Amsterdam at the Hilton, where he started experimenting with nouvelle cuisine. After a spell travelling Europe and gaining experience, he returned to the UK where his first head chef role was at the Michelin starred Castle Hotel in Taunton, Somerset. During this time he developed his passion for British food, and realised his talent for refining traditional dishes into modern classics. By the time Rhodes got his TV break at the age of 27, he’d already been at the restaurant — and retained the star — for a year. Rhodes, with his signature spiky hair, has fronted several TV shows since, including Rhodes around Britain and Masterchef and has written several books. To sample his fare, visit Rhodes 24 located on the 24th floor of London’s tallest building Tower 42. With spectacular views over London, an average three-course meal with wine costs approximately £60, with such mouth-watering dishes as loin of venison with damson red cabbage. At Rhodes W1 at the Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch, a five-course tasting menu with wine will cost from £105. There’s also a brasserie that’s considerably cheaper. Contacts: Rhodes W1 Brasserie, Cumberland Hotel, 32 Great Cumberland Place, W1H 7DL, T: 020 7616 5930. www.rhodesw1.comRhodes 24, Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, City of London, EC2N 1HQ, T: 020 7877 7703 www.rhodes24.com