Celebrity chef James Martin, known for his BBC Saturday Kitchen appearances, has achieved remarkable feats like mastering helicopter piloting and performing with his band, James Martin’s Midnight Ramblers. Yet, his fame limits everyday outings.
Reluctance at Popular Bakery Chain
James Martin’s partner harbors a strong fondness for bacon sandwiches from a major high street bakery chain. “My other half is obsessed now with Greggs bacon sandwiches,” he shared on the Quiet Coach podcast. “We now have to stop everywhere to get a Greggs bacon sandwich – but I went, ‘I can’t go in and get a Greggs!'”
He avoids entering due to fears of recognition, noting that photos of a TV chef in line would quickly spread online. Instead, the couple conducted a taste test across several spots. James favored one for its proper buttering, but his girlfriend preferred the chain’s version for its “sweaty” bacon texture. “She likes sweaty bacon,” he added. He praises her as the world’s best bacon sandwich maker, though she serves as the ultimate taste tester.
Relationship Milestone with Kim Johnson
James, 53, has dated 39-year-old personal trainer Kim Johnson for over two years. After once vowing never to marry, he proposed late last year. Kim showcased a £150,000 Land Rover Defender gift from James alongside her engagement ring on Instagram, captioning it “speechless.”
This marks a shift from his 2019 stance: “Marriage doesn’t interest me in the slightest, mainly because I’ve catered for so many weddings. I admire people who do it, that’s fine, but I’m quite happy. I don’t need to spend 60 grand on a day, no, I’m more than happy thanks.”
Kim has integrated into his culinary world, completing a bread-making course with Richard Bertinet. She returned inspired, prompting James to buy a new electric mixer.
From Humble Beginnings to Chef Stardom
James left school without qualifications, struggling with dyslexia. “I left school with no qualifications,” he told podcaster Mark Wogan. “I’m not proud of it but I used to hate Wednesdays. Wednesday was a spelling test. I’d be in tears on a Wednesday night.” He avoided reading beyond early primary books, preferring cooking and weekend jobs.
Post-school, he gained London work experience, then honed skills at France’s Hostellerie de Plaisance in Saint-Émilion and three-Michelin-star Maison Troisgros in Roanne. Returning to England, he became pastry chef at Chewton Glen Hotel and head chef at Hotel du Vin by age 22. His TV career launched with Ready Steady Cook, The Big Breakfast, and James Martin: Yorkshire’s Finest.
