Ben Roberts

Founder, Bird & Wild, on cooking in a tiny kitchen, Craig David and the amazing world of coffee

What was your first-ever job? When I was at school, I worked part-time in a local seafood restaurant. As the ‘teenage temp’, my jobs were to peel potatoes, gut the fish and mop the floor.

What’s been your worst job interview? An interview for a ski chalet job is memorable for feeling particularly under pressure. I was asked to turn up with the ingredients to cook three of my favourite dishes in a tiny makeshift kitchen, and then explain how it would work when catering for 20 guests at a time. I got the job, though.

What was the first music single you bought? I would love for it to be something by Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton, but I think in truth it was a Craig David number. Not proud.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I tell them I roast coffee, drink coffee and occasionally sell some of it.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? I am always amazed at how much variety of flavour there is across different coffees from around the world, and I get to taste them all.

What is the least rewarding part? Paperwork, generally.

What is your motto in life? If you are going to worry, don’t do it. If you are going to do it, don’t worry.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? Copycat brands. I know how much hard work goes into creating a brand and I think copycats cheat the consumer.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? I would love to be able to take a bag of roasted coffee back to every farm we have bought coffee from and share it with the growers.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Bill Bailey. I love his comedy and I know he is also into wildlife and conservation.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? A digital radio.

What’s your favourite film and why? Castaway with Tom Hanks. My dog is named Wilson after his best friend - a volleyball - in the film.

What animal most reflects your personality? Maybe a squirrel, because I like to keep busy.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I couldn’t possibly…

Source

Beth Brooks

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