What was your first industry job?
Peeling onions and garlic.
If you weren’t in kitchens, what would you do?
I would be in the bar drinking cocktails and wine.
What industry figure do you most admire, and why?
Gordon Ramsay. He’s a chef who became a successful businessman.
What’s your pet hate in the kitchen?
Lazy people.
What’s the oddest thing a customer has said to you?
Nothing. All my customers have been good to me.
Sum up your cooking style in a single sentence
Tasty, fresh and simple.
What’s the worst review you’ve ever had?
Not had one yet.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the industry?
Work hard and be consistent.
Which single item of kitchen equipment could you not live without?
Clean chopping boards and sharp knives.
What would you choose to eat for your last meal?
Mum‘s chicken curry.
À la carte or tasting menu?
A la carte.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had in a restaurant?
Fresh seafood and small restaurant in Chennai, India.
What’s your favourite fast-food joint?
A late night kebab.
What’s the dish you wish you’d thought of?
Truffled stuffed spring chicken by Joel Robuchon.
MasterChef or Great British Menu?
Great British menu.
What’s the most overrated food?
No food is overrated.
You’re a restaurant dictator for a day – what would you ban?
I want to welcome everyone, no banning.
Who would your dream dinner party guests be?
Good eaters.
What’s your earliest food memory?
Mum’s home-made food.
TikTok or Instagram?
Instagram.
What’s the closest you’ve ever come to death?
I’m still far away for it, but aware that it’s certain.
Where do you go when you want to let your hair down?
Ibiza.
What’s your tipple of choice?
Wine or a margarita.
What’s your favourite food and drink pairing?
Chicken tikka with an espresso martini.
What do you consider to be your signature dish?
Beef tartare with langoustine.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Popcorn and Netflix.