John Burton Race was born in Singapore in 1957 and spent his early years travelling and experiencing food from all over the world. In 1983 John became a Sous chef at Les Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons, Oxford from where he went on to become Head chef and manager of Le Petit Blanc, Oxford until 1986. He then opened his own restaurant L'Ortolan, Berkshire, where John achieved and maintained two Michelin stars. In 2000 he opened John Burton Race, Landmark Hotel, London and reclaimed both Michelin stars within the first year of trading.

In 2002 John moved to France for a year to relearn and discover ingredients and his love of cooking after many years in the fast lane. Channel 4 screened the television series ''French Leave'' and John wrote the book that accompanied the series.

John moved back to Devon in 2003 and teaming up with head chefs Nigel Marriage and Robin Zavou, John opened ''The New Angel'' in Dartmouth, a series of which was made for Channel 4, with accompanying book.

John has taken part in ''Through The Keyhole'', Great British Menu and ''Britain's Best Dish'' and topped his year by participating in ''I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here''.

The New Angel restaurant, with John Burton Race back at the helm was re-opened for business in 2008. John has also been busy writing. His book 'Flavour First' is now available. He's also been cooking on Channel 5's ''Cooking the Books'' and ITV1's ''Daily Cooks Challenge''.

John is a familiar face at live demos and will be attending the Ideal Home Exhibition in April and Grand Designs Live in May 2010.