Chef
JAMES
LOWE
James Lowe grew up in Brighton, Sussex, and moved to London aged 22. After changing his initial plans of wanting to become a pilot, he began working at The Wapping Project where he quickly found himself in the kitchen, inspired and excited by a regularly changing menu that made the most
He was determined to have his own restaurant by 30. James worked hard at Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, Rob Weston’s La Trompette and Fergus Henderson’s St John. He needed to learn as much as he could and was able to work at high-achieving restaurants.
He was finally prepared to work alongside his friend Isaac McHale in a restaurant, The Ten Bells, Spitalfields.
It was only after this that James was able to live out his dream of opening his own restaurant in April 2014. Lyle’s would be located in Shoreditch’s Tea Building and run in partnership with John Ogier, who James met while working at St John Bread and Wine and the backing of JKS – also behind celebrated restaurants Gymkana, Trishna and Sabor.
Just 18 months after opening, Lyle’s was awarded its first Michelin star. James was devoted to fresh and seasonal food and ensured that it was central to the menu.
A regular on the World’s 50 Best list, Lyle’s ranked 33rd in the international guide for 2021 and 84th in the National Restaurant Awards’ Top 100. It also has two AA Rosettes
Dinners
Dinner at KK Beach
Habaraduwa
Saturday 13th
KK Beach, a 10 bedroom boutique hotel graces the pristine Indian Ocean beachfront. Open since 2016, it’s renowned for its style, comfort and Bamboo Restaurant’s delectable cuisine. Guests enjoy unrivaled views, a 20 meter pool, spa treatments and direct beach access. Just a 20 minute drive from Galle, it’s an idyllic base for exploring Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Masterclasses
Masterclass at Galle Fort
Masterclass Kitchen
Sunday 14th
Learn cooking secrets and tips from the masters in their field, as James Lowe guides you through a demonstration of a culinary masterclass. This is held in our masterclass kitchen in the UNESCO Galle Fort, a very intimate event where you meet the chef, can ask questions and taste morsels of delight. Take advantage of this outstanding talent being here in Sri Lanka, and improve your dinner party hosting skills, surprise friends and loved ones – you can become the kitchen goddess or god!