James, who owns four restaurants in Plymouth and the south of England with his brother Chris, and has appeared on TV shows including Ready, Steady, Cook, ITV Breakfast and Lorraine, will be on hand to share his expertise with Sodexo’s chefs, advise on sustainable sourcing and to visit schools for live food demonstrations and events.
James Tanner said: “Independents by Sodexo has a great ethos and I’ve been impressed by the team’s commitment to educating pupils on the benefits of eating healthily and sustainably.
“I am looking forward to working with executive chef Tom Allen and his fantastic team, as well as working with students to get them excited about food and cooking.”
Independents by Sodexo has had a successful couple of years, winning a five-year contract at Wycombe Abbey school, a seven-year contract at the Licensed Victuallers School (LVS) in Begbroke, Oxfordfordshire, a five year contract with The Lady Eleanor Holles School in Hampton, Middlesex and, most recently, a three-year contract with Brentwood School in Essex.