After what Tipping describes as a ‘misspent youth’, his father arranged a placement in a kitchen for him and he proved to be a quick learner. He enrolled at Halesowen catering college to supplement his placement and began making up for lost time.

Three decades on and Tipping is one of the most accomplished chefs in the UK. He formed a potent partnership with legendary chef and restaurateur Andreas Antona early on - while working at the once famed Plough and Barrow restaurant in Birmingham - and the pair have since established Antona’s restaurant, Simpsons, as one of the region’s best.

At Simpsons, Tipping shares cheffing duties with the talented Leo Kattou, with the duo working together to make the menu the best it can be. He is able to do both legs of the school run and eats tea with his family before heading in to the restaurant for evening service. Luke disputes the notion that chefs should be working eighteen-hour days, believing that maintaining a healthy work/life balance is more important.

Luke describes his style as ‘very natural, very seasonal and free flowing’, which belies the creativity and thoughtfulness that goes into his cooking. He may not be one to self-promote, but his success at Simpsons, where he has held a Michelin star since 2004, truly speaks for itself.

Luke Tipping is now a professor of culinary arts, having received a professorship from University College Birmingham.