Most top chefs have to keep several plates spinning at the same time, so to speak, to keep their diners happy.

And for one Alsager restaurant owner cum DJ, it's something which comes naturally at his Afro-Caribbean restaurant

For when he's not cooking, Martin 'Mr Bigz' Mwale is spinning records and it's his bubbly colourful personality which comes across in his food.

"I've always loved cooking and making things," said Martin, who started cooking for fun on Social Media during lockdown.

Martin, who saved hard and had four jobs to save up money to open Mr Bigz Flavours in Crewe Road, Alsager has a large Instagram following.

Growing up in Etruria, Martin completed a foundation degree in management at Staffordshire University, a course which he says 'changed his life'.

"I bring all my experience into my cooking. It's a combination of African Caribbean and Western food," said Martin.

"Food is like music. You use a combination of ingredients and remix them. Things never go out of fashion they are just remixed."

Martin, who has appeared as a DJ all over Staffordshire, grew up in Stoke-on-Trent and loves the area, along with Alsager.  

He lists Hip Hop music, reggae, soul and Motown plus Earth, Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder among his favourites.

"My family taught me how to cook and it's just gone from there," said Martin, who has amassed nearly 7,000 followers on Mr BigzFlavours on Instagram.

"It's an absolute pleasure to have a business in Alsager and I love what I do," says Martin.

"People have become more adventurous with their culinary tastes."

Aside from running a restaurant and being a DJ, Martin loves travelling and it's this which fires up his inspiration for different dishes.

Definitely a man with his feet firmly on the ground, he was recently nominated in the Entrepreneur of the Year category of the Staffordshire University Business Awards.

But his business success doesn't stop here for Martin also mentors school children in culinary and life skills, sharing his passion for making things happen.

A social justice ambassador for children, Martin often dons his chef's hat and apron, showing children how to create their own delicious and nutritious meals.

Opening times for Mr Mr BigzFlavours and menus can be found on the website link: https://www.mrbigzflavours.co.uk/menu

Martin's Instagram account can be found at: https://www.instagram.com/mrbigzflavours/?hl=en