The chef and restaurateur on his love for Cornwall, lessons from his parents and reality TV – including his mentor role on the UK launch of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef
INTERVIEW: KERRY FOWLER. PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREW CALLAGHAN, ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
Growing up in my mum and dad’s Southampton guest house, I saw hospitality at its best. Dad would make homely food – shepherd’s pie, corned beef hash – and Mum brought her Seychelles influence. I lost Dad in 2015, but I thank my lucky stars for him and his relentless work ethic. It made me the man I am.
I love to surround myself with people who care about what they do. We have almost lost the art of listening. People just wait to have their say, not digesting what the other person is saying. Being respectful and decent opens doors.
I’m a fan of reality TV. Sometimes it can go too far, but when I was growing up TV seemed quite elitist – it was always Joan Collins or someone from drama school. Now you see real people and think: “I have those issues, those insecurities.” That’s a positive.
There are times when I don’t believe in myself, but Next Level Chef has allowed me to do the thing I love most – trying to make somebody a version of themselves that they didn’t know was inside them. It’s also great to work with Gordon Ramsay, who was a mentor to me. If you watch the first episode of the new series, you’ll never guess who wins!
Every child should have free school meals. I’m fortunate: Mum and Dad could make sure my sister and I were well nourished. There are children who go to school with no food inside them, who fall asleep at their desks. Nutrition is the end goal, b
