James Larkins

Group Executive Chef, Compass Group UK & Ireland.

After studying at Thames Valley University James immediately embarked on an exciting career path, which included being a part of the culinary team that launched the F1 Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi and supporting the culinary offering at Silverstone in the VIP boxes for 5 years.

One of the highlights of his career to date is taking the role of Executive Chef at the Leander Club in Henley on Thames where he was charged with looking after Olympic Rowers Matt Pinsent and Steve Redgrave for 2 years.

James now works for the Compass group as the Group Executive Chef for Oxford University, currently servicing 21 cafes and 120 buildings with a daily hospitality offering.

James is also the Captain for the Hot Kitchen for the Compass UK Culinary team, a role he enjoys as competing in competitions helps him keep learning and stay on trend. He was recently awarded the Craft Guilds Contract Catering Chef of the Year 2019 by the Craft Guild of Chefs.