Both Tom and Nigel have strong ties with Norfolk and is the shared area where their journeys began to become renowned chefs. Nigel was born and raised in the area, cooking from a young age and taking inspiration from the simple dishes his mum would make. His first job was in a Norfolk pub, where he would serve food and help cook when short-staffed, before moving on to gain his qualification at college. Tom took a similar path, coming from a family involved within the wine industry and being introduced early to a love of good food, deciding to develop his cooking skills by enrolling at the Norwich City College Hotel School.