The innovative Indian chef, Atul Kochhar is revered for his masterful use of spicing.

Born into a catering company, food has always been central to Atul. His career took off when he went to work for the Oberoi group of hotels in New Delhi. Progressing quickly, he was soon headhunted across continents to work in the UK.

In 1994 Atul helped open London's Tamarind, and was instrumental to the restaurant winning a Michelin star in 2001. Atul then decided to go it alone, opening Benares in May 2003.

Atul shot to television fame in Britain when he beat Gary Rhodes in a competition to cook for the queen in Great British Menu. His modern Indian dishes are now a regular hit on Good Food Channel.