After Dinner Speakers: Hugh Fearnley-Whitingstall, Steve Cram, Alice Cooper

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has become known for his earthy and back to basics approach to cooking. At the Glenfiddich Food and Drink Awards in May 2002 Hugh was awarded the Glenfiddich Trophy for his outstanding contribution towards widening the understanding and appreciation of excellent food and drink in Britain and for his ambition to alter people's perception of food. His River Cottage Cookbook won the best food book award. Born in London, but raised in Gloucestershire, Hugh has been keen on cookery since he was a small child. He didn’t train professionally, but instead studied at Oxford and travelled to Africa doing conservation work. Back in England, he became a sous chef at the River Café, though he had to leave as he was too messy! Hugh has since become a familiar face on television with his series Cook on the Wild Side and TV Dinners. In 1997, he found River Cottage in Dorset which led to three series being filmed there. He is also a keen supporter of the organic movement.