Bio
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is a British celebrity chef and television presenter, best known for hosting a collection of documentary series based around his home at River Cottage, in Dorset.
Fearnley-Whittingstall has become known for his earthy, back-to-basics approach to cooking and for his mildly eccentric antics.
At the Glenfiddich Food & Drink Awards in May 2002, Hugh was awarded the Glenfiddich Trophy for his outstanding contribution towards widening the understanding and appreciation of excellent food and drink in Britain and for his ambition to alter people's perception of food.
His River Cottage Cookbook won the best food book award.
Born in London and raised in Gloucestershire, Hugh has been keen on cookery since he was a child. He didn't train professionally, but instead studied at Oxford and travelled to Africa to do conservation work.
When he came back to England, he joined the River Café in London as a sous chef, although he had to leave because he was too messy.
Hugh has since become a familiar face on TV with his series Cook on the Wild Side and TV Dinners. In 1997, he found River Cottage in Dorset which led to three TV series being filmed there.
He is also a keen supporter of the organic movement.