Brian Turner

Born on May 7, 1946, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Brian Turner CBE is a British chef, writer, and television personality. His culinary journey began with training at prestigious establishments such as Simpson’s in the Strand and The Savoy Grill, both under Richard Shepherd. A pivotal early influence was the food writer Michael Smith. Turner’s career advanced with a stint at the Beau Rivage Palace in Lausanne before he returned to England to work at Claridge’s and, in 1971, the Capital Hotel, where he and Richard Shepherd achieved a Michelin star. During the early 1970s, he also served as a Chef Lecturer, sharing his expertise.

In 1986, Turner opened his own restaurant, Turner’s, in Walton Street, Knightsbridge, London, which he successfully operated until its sale in 2001. Following this, he launched Brian Turner’s Restaurant at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Birmingham’s NEC in February 2002, and Brian Turner Mayfair at the Millennium Hotel, London Mayfair, in April 2003. Throughout his career, he has been a prominent figure in culinary television, notably appearing as a cook on BBC2’s “Ready Steady Cook” since 1994, and on “This Morning” for many years as a resident chef. His television appearances also include “Saturday Kitchen,” “A Taste Of Britain,” and more recently, “James Martin’s Saturday Morning.” He is known for his simple and professional approach to cooking and has an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University for his services to catering.

Beyond his culinary and television work, Brian Turner has held significant leadership roles within the industry. He served as Chairman of the Academy of Culinary Arts for nine years and is the chairman of the UK Hospitality Skills Board. His contributions to tourism and training in the catering industry were recognized with a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours on June 15, 2002. Demonstrating his commitment to charitable causes, he has participated in the London Marathon for Aids victims, The Moonwalk for Breast Cancer, and ridden at Windsor Racecourse for The Princess Trust for Carers. He is also a main board member of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust. In 2003, he developed the ‘Brian Turner – S & C’ snack food. In June 2022, he suffered a stroke but has since returned to television, openly discussing his recovery.