Celebrity chef James Martin has opened up about his deep love for Yorkshire and admits he must eventually return to his home county where he was raised on a farm
James Martin(Image: ITV)
Celebrity chef James Martin has revealed his profound attachment to Yorkshire, insisting he would be “lynched” if he failed to return there regularly. The 53-year-old culinary star, who grew up on a 100-acre farm on the Castle Howard estate, treasures his trips back to his roots.
James currently splits his time between several locations, including the Cotswolds, Manchester, and Hampshire, where he runs his three restaurants. He’s based in Hampshire, where he records his hit ITV programme, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, in a kitchen purpose-built for the show.
His seven-bedroom Hampshire property boasts an outdoor kitchen, a greenhouse, and spans 1.5 acres. The custom-designed outdoor cooking area comes complete with a premium wood-fired pizza oven, a substantial central island, and chic green industrial lighting that provides an ideal backdrop for gastronomic endeavours.
The converted garage at his property doubles as a filming venue for segments of his ITV programme. It’s understood that his home lies within easy reach of The Kitchen at Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa in New Milton, one of his restaurants.
James Martin
Despite living in the South East, James’ devotion to Yorkshire shines through. He told viewers he’d be heading back to what he lovingly dubs ‘God’s County’ during the summer break of his weekend show, according to Yorkshire Live. Speaking to Food and Travel, James reflected on his early years: “I had an amazing childhood. We farmed 100 acres, so we learned the value of graft, but also about food,” reports Wales Online.
“It’s an amazing lesson in life to learn at that age: to respect the people who produce food, that it’s not just a given – people have to grow it, make it, produce it – and it also gives you a respect doing that as a career. I didn’t enjoy school, I hated it, but I loved home life. I was always outdoorsy, mending fences, fixing tractors.”
He reveals the farm faced early difficulties as his father “wasn’t a farmer by trade,” coming from a catering background instead. Despite this, the family pushed through, ultimately introducing chickens and pigs to the farm.
Yorkshire ingredients have remained central to James’ life – he even presented a food programme exploring the county – and have profoundly shaped his culinary philosophy. Yet he stresses it’s the region’s people that keep drawing him back to Yorkshire.
He jokingly notes that in London, people “think you’re going to mug them” if you attempt conversation, while in Yorkshire, residents are “honest and much friendlier.”
James Martin’s Saturday Morning
James harbours tremendous affection for Yorkshire’s residents, alongside its breathtaking coastline, the Moors, and the woodlands, characterising the region as “magical” and “diverse.” Despite his deep love for Yorkshire, James continues to reside in Hampshire, citing practical challenges due to his widely dispersed commitments. Nevertheless, he insists he has developed a “routine” with his current situation.
He elaborates: “I know where I’m going on which day, every week, and the travelling isn’t too bad.”
When questioned about potentially returning to his homeland, James remarks: “I’ll get lynched if I don’t end up in Yorkshire. I love Yorkshire.”
Watch Saturday Morning with James Martin at 9.30am on ITV One. In this week’s instalment, originally broadcast in 2023, James will be accompanied by singer Jack Savoretti, Midsomer Murders star Neil Dudgeon, and culinary specialists Glynn Purnell and Sabrina Gidda.
