James Martin joins Routes from LNER

In this candid episode, Martin reveals untold stories from his extraordinary rise from tenant pig farmer's son to cooking on trains, spending time in France and becoming one of Britain's most beloved TV chefs, with over 34 cookbooks and 20 years of Saturday morning television under his belt. He also has a strong affiliation with trains, from his Grandad working at York Station ticket office to an early job cooking on the trains.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:

From Farm to Fame
Martin shares how his Yorkshire upbringing instilled a fierce work ethic, recalling how he washed pots at Castle Howard aged just eight and was working professionally in London kitchens by 16, armed with just £20 and his father's blunt send-off.

The French Connection
Listeners discover how Martin's father, a wine judge, would drop young James at French vineyards for weeks at a time, where he learned cooking from château grandmothers, experiences that included cooking steaks on château gates and plucking ducks fresh from market.

Dyslexia as a Superpower
Martin openly discusses failing cookery at school despite his obvious talent, only discovering his dyslexia in his thirties. "I've written 34 books but never read one in my life," he admits, calling dyslexia a "superpower" rather than a limitation.

Celebrity Kitchen Tales
Martin discusses working alongside legendary chef Michel Roux Senior, who he credits as a mentor and father figure, and shares stories of cooking for 450 covers in Dubai and nearly causing a choking incident with his chicken parmigiana on live television.

QUOTES:

"I knew I could cook easily when everyone else was struggling. I failed cookery at school – I couldn't do it academically, but I could do it with my hands." – James Martin

"I was washing pots when I was eight, I was in the kitchen when I was 10. I worked in France, worked in London all through my teens. There was never any television, there was no dream to have that." - James Martin on his work ethic.

"My dad shook my hand at York station when I was 16. There was a rolled up note – it was 20 quid with 'I'll see you in two years' written on it. That was it” James Martin on his Dad.

Routes from LNER with Jenni Falconer is available to listen to on all major podcast platforms, watch on YouTube and listen onboard LNER trains.

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