Brought up in Kent with his three brothers, on leaving school he studied hotel management and began a career as a professional chef.

James moved to New York to work under the Roux brothers at the Lake Placid Lodge. He worked his way up the ranks and on returning to England took a job under Martin Blunos at the two Michelin-starred restaurant Lettonie in Bath before a head-chef role at Right on the Green in Kent. When he was only 23 years old, James opened his own restaurant in Plymouth , Tanners, with his brother Chris.

A television career soon began for James and his brother. He became a regular on Ready Steady Cook, as well as making guest appearances on Saturday Kitchen and UKTV Food's Great Food Live. Chris and James recently filmed their own series The Tanner Brothers.

Books
For Chocolate Lovers: From Truffles to Tiramisu, Jacqui Small LLP, 2006