Brian Turner
Brian Turner is one of Britain's most successful and well-known chefs. His early mentor was the food writer and broadcaster the late Michael Smith. Turner trained at some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in Europe: Following two years at 'Simpson's in the Strand' with Richard Shepherd, (now owner of Langan's Brasserie), he followed Richard to 'The Savoy Grill' where he worked under Louis Virot. He then went to the 'Beau Rivage Palace' in Lausanne, where he developed his skills and knowledge of classical cuisine.
Turner then returned to England and worked at 'Claridge's' until 1971 when he went to the 'Capital Hotel' where he again teamed up with Richard Shepherd. In early 1973 he took some time to work as a Chef Lecturer. Later that year returning to the 'Capital Hotel' where he and Shepherd earned a prized Michelin star. Following the departure of Richard Shepherd in 1975 he became Chef de Cuisine at this uniquely Michelin starred hotel where he reigned for eleven years. During his period at the 'Capital' Turner was responsible for the launch of the 'Greenhouse Restaurant' in Mayfair and the 'Metro Wine Bar' in Basil Street, becoming executive chef of these establishments. Among the many well known chef's who worked with Turner at the 'Capital' are Gary Rhodes and Shaun Hill who now have their own Michelin starred restaurants.
In 1986 Turner opened his own restaurant 'Turner's', in Walton street, Knightsbridge, which immediately attracted a regular clientele of local residents as well as a devoted international following who appreciated the degree of personal attention to both food, service and customers. 'Turner's' set new standards for the British chef-owned restaurants which have become a feature of dining out in London.
Turner has become a successful television personality, appearing regularly on 'Ready Steady Cook'. He has made numerous appearances on the 'Food and Drink' programme and has also been a judge on 'Master Chef'. He featured, as resident chef for many years on Granada's 'This Morning' eventually moving to the BBC for his own series 'Out to Lunch' and then 'Anything you can Cook'. Despite a hectic television schedule Turner still spent the equivalent of a full working week at the restaurant personally meeting and greeting his customers.
In 2001 whilst Turner's was at it's height the pressure of regular outside work caused Turner to take another momentous career step and sell Turner's of Walton Street.
In 1997 Turner was awarded the Craft Guild of Chef's Special Award for achievement within the industry together with the Caterer and Hotelkeepers Catey Award for 'Chef of the Year' as well as the 'Wedgwood Award' for outstanding services to the hospitality industry.
He was the Chairman of the Academy of Culinary Arts for nine years and is the chairman of the UK Hospitality Skills Board, he has also been awarded an Honorary Professorship of Thames Valley University because of his work and commitment to The London School of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure and catering education in general. He is regularly invited to be 'guest chef' at leading hotels around the world where his expertise is in great demand as a judge for national and international cookery competitions.
Having run the London Marathon for the benefit of Aids victims, walked The Moonwalk for Breast Cancer he still finds time to do work for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust and other charities. Books are being written, new television programmes recorded, after dinner speaking engagements and cookery demonstrations all form part of his constant hectic schedule.
On June 15th 2002 in the Queen's Birthday Honours Turner was awarded a CBE for his services to tourism and training in the catering industry.
On Thursday 21st November 2002 Turner made a visit to the Palace to receive his gong!
Turner's most recent book 'Brian Turner's favourite recipes' was launched in Autumn 2003.
"The client thought Brian Turner was fabulous!!! He charmed them all! Thank you again for sorting this out for us."
Brian did a cooking demo and meal for UBS in June 2007
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