United Kingdom

England

Hampshire

Southampton

It all started with Marcus Wareing at Petrus, where I learned the ropes. Back in Hampshire at Le Poussin, under Alex Aitken's wing, things really took off. That's where I 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. I pick 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 our community. My 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 my way of saying thanks to what nature provides. When I'm not cooking up a storm, you might catch me at food festivals. I hosted the Chef's Demonstration Theatre at the New Forest Show, live cooking demos on the NEC stage at BoatLife 2024, Ideal Home Show at Olympia London, along with many others. This year I am running the Chef’s Demonstration Theatre at Southamption International Boat Show It's all about sharing the love for good food and show casing simplicity of cooking. I have also got a contract with The British Boating Magazine creating healthy simple recipies which is published every quarter, along with recipies in the Hampshire Life Magazine using local produce. So, join me on a fun foodie adventure, where every dish tells a story of passion, dedication and a love for the simple joys of great food that is easy to create. I want to inspire and motivate you to make healthy, tasty dishes using great, local ingredients that don’t cost the earth or take long to make!

Spicy Squash Soup

Duck Liver Parfait

River Test Gin Cured Trout, Trout Roe, Samphire, Creme Fraiche, Pickled Cucumber

Gin Cured Chalk Stream

Beetroot, Burnt Apple, Caramelised Walnuts

Rosary Ash Goats Cheese

Turkey Breast Parcel, Stuffed with Chestnut Stuffing, Pigs "N" Blankets, Daulphinoise Potato, Seasonal Vegetables, Red Wine Jus

Classic Turkey

Slow Cooked Feather Blade of Beef, Daulphinoise Potato, Seasonal Vegetables, Rich Red Wine Braising Jus

12 Hour Feather Blade

Wild Mushrooms & Sweet Potato Wrapped in Puff Pastry, Olive Oil Mash, Seasonal Vegetables, Sun-dried Tomato Sauce

Wild Mushroom & Sweet Potato Wellington

Chocolate Mouse, Brownie Crumb, Whipped Mascarpone , Cherries in Kirsch Toasted Almonds

Black Forest

Lemon and Whipped Cream with Meringue, Lemon Curd, Micro Basil

Lemon Roulade

The Rustic Chef vibe is all about epic food with a sustainable twist. I pick 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 our community.

Chef Martin Dawkins's menus