One of Britain’s best-loved chefs Rick Stein talks to Paul Blezard about a life that took him from the family farm in Oxfordshire to fame and fortune as one of Britain’s best-loved food writers and broadcasters. Stein was brought up on a farm not far from Blenheim Palace and Woodstock and at the family holiday home in Cornwall. He tells of his formative years in Oxfordshire, the black moods of his bi-polar father who committed suicide when he was 18, and of his escape for two years to Australia.

After graduating from the University of Oxford, Stein first set-up an ill-fated nightclub in Padstow,Cornwall. That venture ultimately led to an entry into the food trade and eventual success as a highly acclaimed restaurateur, chef, food writer and broadcaster.

Stein has presented a number of major BBC series including Rick Stein’s Seafood, Seafood Lover’s Guide, Taste of the Sea, Food Heroes, French Odyssey, Mediterranean Escapes, Coast to Coast and Far Eastern Odyssey. The series have been accompanied by bestselling books. His most recent food book is Rick Stein’s India: In Search of the Perfect Curry, which accompanies his latest BBC series.

Presented by Oxford Gastronomica and sponsored by The Oxford Times.