Originally from Derbyshire, Dom is the head chef and owner of Michelin-starred The Blackbird in Berkshire. Growing up, he was part of a family that loved to cook and bake which sparked a fascination with both the process of cooking and food. Whilst studying catering and hospitality at Buxton, he started work at the Michelin-starred Fischer’s Baslow Hall in the Peak District where he progressed under the tutelage of chef patron Max Fischer.

Dom then spent time working in Dubai where he picked up techniques and Asian influences that feature in some of his dishes, worked as a private chef in France and spent some time in Australia. He was also head chef at Tom Aikens’ flagship Chelsea restaurant for three years.

Dom is renowned for cooking food which is influenced by quality ingredients, his overseas travels and his classical French background. His personal menu celebrating this year’s theme is largely inspired by his own fondness for children’s books and those he reads to his daughters.