What’s your favourite restaurant and why? Baumanns Brasserie in Coggeshall, Essex. Mark Baumann is my best mate and cooks like an Angel.

Do you prefer healthy or junk food? I try to eat healthily but given the choice between a rare rump steak and and a nut cutlet, the steak wins.

Have you ever sent back or complained about a meal? I am a serial complainer. Two weeks ago I sent back cold creamed spinach at Anthony Worrall Thompson’s place, the Kew Grill.

What’s your favourite tipple? A chilled bottle of Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 96.

What would you rescue from your house if it was burning down? Susie and Isobel - my beautiful girlfriend and my little daughter.

What’s your fantasty car… and what do you actually drive? An Aston Martin DB9. My current car is a Mini Cooper and my motorcycle is a Truimph Speed triple.

What gadgets do you carry around with you? An ipod and a video phone. I did have a Navman, until it was nicked.

What are your pet hates? Unnecessary packaging and political correctness.

What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had? A Gypsy caravan in Welcombe mouth in Devon. It’s my haven.

If you weren’t talking to us, what would you be doing? Helping customers in my shop in Munster Road, Fulham.

What’s your motto for life? Give it a go.

Topics