The Quiet Coach: Chef Confessions, Countryside Love, and Why James Martin Bins His Mugs

Welcome back to the Quiet Coach, where chef and TV presenter James Martin reveals his travel essentials and the moments that have shaped him as a traveler. From Red Bull and Mars bar breakfasts to throwing mugs in the bin, this is where we get into the wonderfully peculiar habits that come from decades in professional kitchens. In this episode of Routes from LNER, Jenni Falconer sits down with James for a brilliantly honest chat about life on the road and why he values home more than any hotel room.

James opens up about his love of flying and the countryside, explaining how getting his pilot's license gave him a sense of freedom that dwarfs even passing your driving test. He shares stories from his early days working in London restaurants, including late night trips to KFC with fellow chefs, and admits that any chef claiming they don't live off fast food is lying. There's also his mate's restaurant with a full time DJ, why music has become essential to his life, and his partner Kim’s newfound obsession with Greggs bacon sandwiches.

Expect plenty of laughs as James explains his absolute horror of people drinking from mugs, why he always arrives early to avoid the baffling phenomenon of people running for trains, and a touching moment where he reflects on a BBC documentary about loneliness that changed his perspective, reminding us all to take five minutes to say hello and make time for people.