Valentine Warner grew up on a farm in Dorset, learning to fish, shoot and cook from a young age. He studied an art foundation course in Bath before heading to London to study as a portrait painter at the Byam Shaw School of Art.
He enjoyed a 'reasonably successful' career as a painter, but couldn't resist the call of the kitchen and decided to focus his time on cooking instead of painting - working in various kitchens and alongside various chefs, including Alastair Little.
Valentine then set up his own catering business, cooking private dinners for clients including Yves Saint-Laurent and Gucci, before selling out to his business partner.
A year of fishing in Mexico and Central America followed, during which time he 'fell in love' with Mexico's cuisine, inspiring him to co-launch Taqueria, a Mexican-style restaurant in Notting Hill, when he returned to London.
