Originally a Londoner born and bred, chef and cookery school owner, Lesley Waters was quickly charmed by the beauty of the West Dorset area and inspired by the superb quality of the fresh local produce available right on her doorstep.

She likes to cook seasonal food whenever possible and her simple, modern style creates dishes that are easy to recreate with stunning results.

Teaching has always been her great passion and opening her own Cookery School in this amazing location in Halstock, Dorset is the realisation of a long held dream.

Her energetic style of presentation is expertly combined with clear and simple guidance, making her classes both entertaining and informative.

Lesley studied French Cuisine for three years at Ealing College, which included time as a chef at the Waldorf Hotel. During this training period, she won one gold, and two silver medals at Hotelympia and was awarded a scholarship to the Hotel Intercontinental, Dusseldorf. She joined Prue Leith's restaurant and was quickly promoted to senior chef.

She then worked as a freelance corporate chef and caterer for government officials before joining Leith's School of Food and Wine as an instructor, rising to head tutor.

Well known for her regular television appearances on Ready Steady Cook, Great Food Live and This Morning, Lesley is also the author of several cookery books, a qualified fitness instructor and a mother of two.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PERFECT DAY OUT IN DORSET?

Breakfast at The Hive Beach cafe in Burton Bradstock followed by a walk over Golden Cap and finishing up for tea and cake at Downhouse Farm Cafe in Bridport.

Or breakfast at Chapter House books in Sherborne and a browse of their wonderful collection of second-hand cook books. I love this place. After that, a rummage around the charity shops in Sherborne with a visit for cakes and naughty things at Oxford’s bakery.

WHAT ARE YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES OF THE COUNTY?

Our first house in Netherbury, days out on the beach at Burton Bradstock and market Saturdays at Bridport.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT?

My cookery school, which is my passion.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?

Old cook books and travel are my main inspirations. I love to reinvent classic recipes and add my modern twist. Local ingredients and the fabulous range of produce in Dorset is also a major inspiration for me.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE A DAY OFF?

Breakfast in bed, followed by an exercise class and then watch an old movie. I love having a good sort out as well whilst listening to Classic FM, it’s very therapeutic.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT IN THE COUNTY?

There are far too many to choose. I recently enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Railway Carriage in West Bay and I am always very impressed with Brassica in Beaminster. However, I am hearing great things about The Club House at West Bexington but haven’t had the time to get there yet.

WHAT THREE THINGS DO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH DORSET?

Great produce, beautiful countryside and being near the sea.

IF YOU COULD SUMMARISE THE COUNTY IN ONE WORD WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Magical.

W: www.lesleywaters.com