Simon Turrell, Matthew Walker's Christmas pudding expert, on Batman, Dawn French and fly fishing


What was your first-ever job? Throwing bun spice into the extractor fan in a bakery.

You've got 25 words to describe your career. Fantastic! I'm fortunate to work in an area that I love.

How do you describe your job to your mates? The Christmas Pudding King!

What is the worst job you've ever had? In a local butchers cleaning out the sausage-making machine.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Meeting inspiring people who share my passion for food.

What is the least rewarding part? I can't think of one; I guess that makes me very fortunate.

If you didn't work in grocery where would you work? In a small pottery so I was still able to create things.

What's your best interview tip? Think of a completely off-the-wall question to ask the interviewer.

What was your worst job interview? Saying "It's very nice to meet me" to the MD.

Where do you hope to be in five years? Matthew Walker - if they'll have me!

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? A helicopter to take me to my test kitchen in the Alps.

What's your motto in life? Help others. You never know when they'll be your boss.

What do you like to do outside work? Fly fishing with my boys; I can still catch more trout than them.

What's your nickname? One of the retailers calls me F.B. Can't think why.

What was the first single you bought? Everlasting Love by Love Affair.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? Batman. I liked his car.

What's your favourite movie? Moulin Rouge.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? At an awards ceremony, I released a helium balloon from our table. During a raffle for a VIP weekend to Paris, we found out it had the winning ticket.

Do you have any phobias? Customs men.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff, who would it be and why? Dawn French. She must like puddings and we could have such a laugh.

What would you request as your final meal? The tasting menu from elBulli.

What's the weirdest thing you've eaten? Raw sea urchin as part of a sushi development project.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? An iPhone so I could locate the next-nearest island.

What animal best reflects your personality? My Springer. She's very soft!

Topics