Born in April 1969 in Preston, Lancashire.

Played Badminton for Lancashire and at the age of 11 had a decision to make between cooking and playing badminton at international level. Choose to cook at the Dalmeny hotel in Lytham St Annes, the only hotel to have it's own bakery, butchers and fine dining restaurant as well as banqueting.

1985: Went to Blackburn catering college where he studied City & Guilds.

1986: Won taste of Britain competition and met Richard Shepherd, Lanagans Brasserie London. He then went on a college placement to the Savoy Hotel in London with Anton Edelmann, Alan Hill and Keith Stanley

1987: Offered a permenant position at the Savoy Hotel London

1987: Went to work in holidays at Royal Ascot where he met Albert Roux

1988: Went to work with Paul Heathcote at Broughton Park Preston in the Courtyard Restaurant.

1990: Worked with Albert Roux in the Guines Restaurant and Glyne Bourne Operah House.

1991: Worked at Churchill's Restaurant, Upholland. Won Lancashire Life Restaurant of the Year.

1994: Opened new country house hotel in Corbridge with a Restaurant for 65 people and private dining for 35 people. Also filmed a new series 'Nigel Smith Challenges'.

1997: Returned to the Dalmeny Hotel in Lytham St Annes to open the new Atrium, 150 seater modern restaurant.

1999: Nigel met his wife Emma

2000: Had his First Daughter Eloise.

2001: Set up gastro pub in Lancashire for Mr Fred Walker. Received 6 out of 10 in the Good Food Guide. Won Restaurant of the Year for Life Magazines. Returned to TV with UK Food and Granada Television.

2003: His Second Daughter was born Bryony.

2003: Filmed new TV programme in Mauritius.

2004: Secured Sponsorship with BMW Derek Woodman’s.

2004: Moved to Ribby Hall Village as Chef Consultant.

2006: Won Chef of the Year and short listed for restaurant of the year.

2007: Short listed for Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the year again.

2007: The Opening of Nigel Smith’s Restaurant.