LOTTE Duncan is a chef who hates cooking in restaurants.

That might be something of a problem for most people who earn a crust by using their culinary skills, but for Lotte, it's been the making of her.

The 31-year-old is a rising TV star and something of a local food celebrity, working in surroundings most of us can only every dream about.

But it hasn't always been that way for the Cordon Bleu-trained cook who specialises in classic cooking, using British produce.

"At one point, I even worked as a waitress in a restaurant because I couldn't bear the thought of cooking in the kitchen," said Lotte, who lives in Long Crendon, near Thame.

As a single mum, with nine-year-old daughter Daisy to support, Lotte needs to earn a living. It's just lucky that her love of cooking has led her on a path of success - a path which started in the kitchen of her friend's mum's house.

The house in question just happens to be Tyringham Hall in Cuddington, where the Scott family live.

"They didn't mind the idea of cookery demonstrations in their kitchen at all. It's a delightful Elizabethan home with a lovely garden and a friendly kitchen," said Lotte. The idea took off - English country cooking in English country houses.

They were an instant hit because they're a great day out for everyone who attends.

"They start at about 10am when everyone meets for a coffee and some of my home-made biscuits," said Lotte.

"Then I do the cooking and the audience watch. Afterwards, they sit down and eat the three-course meal I've cooked for lunch," said Lotte.

"I invite the owner and a friend to attend free of charge and they love it. Often the guests are given a tour of the house and gardens, out of season, so there's no-one else there, which is lovely for them," said Lotte.

Now Lotte has a host of country homes where she hold cooking demonstrations, throughout Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Word has travelled round so her classes are always full.

Her cooking style is classic, although she loves revisiting old English recipes.

"Everyone really bashes English food. It's lost the wonderful reputation it once had.

"I'm very passionate about this. I believe in English food and the history surrounding particular dishes. Many old recipes have regional variations, like the Bacon Clanger, which is called the Pork Plugger in another county. "Our countryside is full of herbs and vegetables that are crying out to be used in our cooking.

"My philosophy is that we should all get into the habit of tasting our food and seasoning it correctly during the cooking process. I ban the use of salt and pepper at my table - why should a meal I've taken ages to get the taste just right be ruined by altering that taste," she laughed.

Lotte's ideas are original and refreshing, which is why she's been snapped up for a cookery slot on Cable television, on a show hosted by Nanette Newman called Ideal Home Cooks, which starts in April.

"I love the idea of breaking into the media, but I don't want to become a 'celebrity' cook, with more emphasis on my personality than the food," said Lotte.

"There's no point in putting your food on a pedestal and making it look as if the ordinary cook couldn't do it. Food is for eating, especially when it tastes great."

For more information on Lotte's cookery demonstrations, call 01844 208790.

The demonstrations cost between £30 and £40, depending on the location. Tasty halls of fame SOME of the famous venues

at which Lotte has cooked include:

The Manor House in Stanton Harcourt which has a 15th century medieval kitchen.

Broughton Hall in Filkins is alleged to have been part of Anne of Cleves' settlement from Henry VIII.

The Mill House, near Abingdon, is set in eight acres of Thames-side gardens and islands.

Tyringham Hall in Cuddington has lovely gardens and friendly kitchens.

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