I’m Martin and I am the Head Chef at Thistle Cheltenham. Having worked my way up through the ranks over the past two and half years, I now manage the kitchen team and ensure we’re delivering our guests with the highest quality dishes possible.

You could say food is in my blood - I come from three generations of cooks/chefs and even when I was baby, I was in and around food!

One of the things I enjoy most about my job is that adrenaline buzz and euphoric feeling after you’ve fed a full house of people. You may have cooked for 300 guests in the function suite and 90 people in the restaurant and co-coordinating all this and seeing empty plates and happy faces generates a feeling like no other!

Quick fire Q&A

What do you like doing in when you’re not at work?
I love nothing better than to unwind and delve into my DVD collection of approximately 2,500 films and TV series

Favourite TV programme?
The Office (USA)

What music is on your iPod?
90s dance music and Lady Gaga

Who would be your dream hotel guest?
My Dad - he sadly passed away before I got the chance to show him how far I had got in my career

My top tips for creating the perfect romantic meal?

• Cook from the heart and more importantly with passion
• Use foods that you both like and incorporate that into your menu
• The best food is not necessarily about presentation but what is on the plate. Ask yourself - would you eat it?
• Finish the meal with a chocolate dessert - a good all-round finish to any menu