"My passion for food was there from day one; I was a greedy baby and always delighted in tasting new foods. My mother was always very broad-minded when shopping and her interest in cooking, always trying new ingredients & recipes which had a strong influence on me. Almost all my childhood memories revolve around food; a trip to Naples I remember as sour dough Pizza, in Majorca ... well it was the taste of fresh Calamari Fritter. Memories from my buggy include Deli counters, Fishmongers, Butchers and Bakers around Chiswick.

I spent my early years only looking for the toughest challenges and best training from Park Lane to Monaco, Queensland back to London, then off to Milan and Tuscany. After this rigorous experience I was in good shape to meet the challenge of setting up and running the Kitchens in 'Dauphines Restaurant' in Kensington.

I stuck to a continental philosophy of only the best Seasonal ingredients and a delicate approach to all things food. My staff where international and together we took London by storm, becoming the most successful restaurant throughout the 90's. I was now ready to follow the dream and open my own restaurant. I hooked up with Co-owner James Poulton, friend and business partner, which led to the creation and quick success of Randall & Aubin Soho. We look forward to seeing you there." Ed Baines

His first book Entertain was published by Kyle Cathie in 2001. His second book, Best of British, has just been published (Feb 2009) again by Kyle Cathie. Ed is an excellent speaker on food topics and business issues within the catering and service industries, motivational work and life management.