Martin Dawkins, aka The Rustic Chef. 


With over two decades in the kitchen, Martin has earned three rosettes and even a nod from the Michelin guide!

It all started with Marcus Wareing at Petrus, where he learned the ropes. Back in Hampshire at Le Poussin, under Alex Aitken's wing, things really took off. That's where he fell in love with sourcing and using local ingredients – fresh and authentic is the name of the game.

The Rustic Chef vibe is all about epic food with a sustainable twist. Martin picks ingredients with a low carbon footprint, supporting local producers in Hampshire. It's not just about delicious dishes; it's about doing right by the environment and the community. 

Martins cooking philosophy is simple – let the flavours shine. No need for too much fancy stuff; fresh and vibrant ingredients can speak for themselves. Every dish is his way of saying thanks to what nature provides.

When not cooking up a storm,  catch Martin at food festivals, at the New Forest Show and most recently live cooking demos on the NEC stage at BoatLife 2024. 

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