Michelin star chef Tom Aikens is the first chef to be named in a star-studded line-up that will take part in next year’s The Staff Canteen Live event.

Norfolk-born Tom specialises in his creative French cooking style and is looking forward to showing off his skills alongside a student and in front of a live audience.

He said: “It’s fantastic to support young and up and coming students, plus it is a great way to see how people in the industry are working in their own kitchens demonstrating skills and techniques – today and the future.”

After refining his skills at the Norwich City College Hotel School, Tom got his first job working at David Cavalier’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Battersea and at just 26 became the youngest British chef to be awarded two Michelin stars while holding the position of head chef at Pied à Terre in London. In 2003, Tom opened his own restaurant in Chelsea, Tom Aikens Restaurant, which was awarded one Michelin star last year.

>>> Read more about Tom Aikens here 

Tom has since opened a number of other restaurants, most recently Tom’s Kitchen, Deli and Bar in Canary Wharf in June this year and a first overseas venture in Istanbul in August.As well as many television appearances, Tom has also released three books and continues to pioneer for ethically sourced ingredients through his work with The Environmental Justice Foundation.

After a successful debut year, The Staff Canteen Live will return on 11 & 12 March 2014 as part of the Hotel and Catering Show when six professional chefs will give live demonstrations and visitors will be invited to ask questions and take part in taste testers. The event will be held at the Bournemouth International conference centre.Check back to our website on Thursday when the second chef will be announced.

>>> Read more about The Staff Canteen Live 2014 here