After almost two decades as one of the country’s favourite TV chefs, Ainsley Harriott has become something of a national institution. Best known for his twenty-one series of Ready, Steady, Cook, and with many solo primetime cooking series under his belt, he has become the master of fresh, fun, accessible cuisine.

Ainsley trained at Westminster College before a career in London’s top hotels and restaurants - and with his years of experience working in professional kitchens, he has developed a deep understanding of his craft. In the early 1990s Ainsley was invited to become resident chef on BBC TV’s Good Morning With Anne And Nick. This in turn led to Ready, Steady, Cook and his tv career took off.  Series include Ainsley’s Barbeque Bible, Ainsley’s Meals in Minutes, Ainsley's Gourmet Express, Ainsley Harriott’s Street Food, Ainsley's Good Mood Food, The Ainsley's.... Flavours series and Ainsley's National Trust Cook Off in the UK, The Ainsley Harriott Show and Ready, Set, Cook for the US and Off The Menu for South Africa.

He is also a best-selling author and has sold over two million books worldwide. Titles include Ainsley’s Barbecue Bible, the Meals in Minutes franchise, Ainsley's Caribbean Kitchen, Ainsley's Mediterranean Cookbook and Ainsley's Good Mood Food..

Ainsley’s own food range has gone from strength to strength and is now a familiar sight in the UK.

In 2020 he was awarded an MBE in recognition of services to broadcasting and the culinary arts.