What do you have for breakfast?
I’m sampling the breakfasts at Hadrian’s Hotel at the minute, and Aaron looks after me very well… Too well! His square sausage is unbelievable, and the whisky porridge brûlée is superb.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Salt and pepper king prawns with an off-dry Riesling. Something feels wrong about taking an expensive wine home to enjoy with a Chinese takeaway, but the spice and tempura work so well with the citrus and hint of sweetness in the wine.
What would be your last meal and bottle of wine on Earth?
My fiancée Alice and I had one of the best meals ever on a trip to Italy a few years ago, and we managed to find the wine in a local shop recently – a Primitivo Rose. I’d have that with a simple but delicious chilli and garlic spaghetti.
What’s in your home fridge?
The sad reality is there is very little in there. However, one of the perks of the job is taking home wine samples and leftovers.
What’s your favourite food book?
I’m not a huge reader, but I do enjoy a good cookbook and an autobiography. I’m currently reading Pasta Masterclass by Mateo Zielonka and testing out ideas with my new pasta machine.
What’s your most important piece of kitchen kit?
The chefs, as without them, the whole thing collapses. I’ve seen chefs produce amazing food when we’ve had equipment break, and grind out huge services in tiny kitchens with few resources. Kitchen disasters bring out the best in great teams, and knowing how to work under pressure is a fantastic skill to have.
What’s your most important piece of advice in the food and drink business?
Plan, plan, and plan. Have a plan, stress test it, then believe in your offer, nurture it, and let it grow. You also need to be prepared to work hard – this is a tough industry that requires a lot from you and the people around you.
What would you be doing if you weren’t working in food and drink?
I’ve done this since I was 15 years old, so it’s hard to know what else I would do for a living. I do like the idea of working in joinery – repairing or building something is very rewarding.
If you only had £15 to spend on a meal, what would you buy?
Pizza or pasta – definitely something Italian.
Who is your favourite chef?
I’d have to choose Gordon Ramsay. I’ve followed and admired him since I was young and while he is a brilliant chef with amazing diversity and success, he’s also a very clever businessman who is able to harness his experience and knowledge.
