Ian James

Ian James is the co-founder of London’s British grocery shop and kitchen Melrose and Morgan. Born in 1964, Ian grew up in Gloucestershire and studied at the Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol and City University in London. Ian has enjoyed an extensive and varied career holding positions including stage manager for the Royal Shakespeare Company and admin director for two of the UK’s leading contemporary dance companies, The Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs. Ian’s career then changed direction when he took on the role of project manager for the re-development of the Wapping Hydraulic Power Station into an art centre. In addition to his highly ambitious project was the creation of an 80 cover restaurant in the buildings former engine room. When the newly named Wapping Project opened in the year 2000 Ian continued to co-run the building and its associated Arts programme, whilst also managing the restaurant until 2003. Ian began to shape the concept for Melrose and Morgan in 2003 with his partner Nicky Selby, who he met in 1999. The pair then opened the first Melrose and Morgan shop in 2004 with a commitment to championing small-scale artisan producers. The majority of food is simple, down to earth, beautifully packaged and handmade on site and using the best of seasonal British ingredients.