From whimsical childhood-inspired dishes to the pursuit of flawless flavour, Executive Chef James Gaag opens up about the philosophy driving La Colombe’s world-renowned dining experience. In this conversation with The Knife, he discusses storytelling through food, lessons learned at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, the evolution of La Colombe’s globally inspired cuisine, and why progression in the kitchen should never stop.

From carving Herdwick sheep out of slate as a schoolboy to cooking them for kings, Ryan Blackburn’s story is inseparable from Cumbria itself. At the Old Stamp House and The Schelly, his menus are shaped by farmers, coastlines and centuries of food heritage. This is a chef letting ingredients – and the land they come from – do the talking