How did you get into the industry?
I started doing work experience in Year 10 at school when I was 14 and never left. The owners, Anne and Bob, unofficially adopted me and say I’m the son they never wanted. I’m 30 now with a family of my own and I’ll be forever grateful they took that chance with me.
What’s your favourite food?
My wife Hayley makes a pasta dish that we just call “the nice pasta”. Why is that my favourite? Because she is sitting next to me watching me fill this out! But seriously, it’s really nice!
Is there a food you won’t eat?
Fresh tomatoes, they’re too slimy. Although, I do enjoy a sun-dried tomato on occasion.
Where have you had the best fish and chips?
It would have to be Taylor’s but when I’m not working it’s Fish and Chips @ Weston Grove. They have a very traditional menu and cook everything fresh using locally sourced ingredients.
What side is a must with your fish and chips?
Absolutely has to be mushy peas and a few fish bits on the chips if I’m feeling fancy.
If you could open a fish and chip shop anywhere, where would it be?
Somewhere near the sea that has a strong sense of community. Fish and chips and the seaside are a perfect combination mixed in with an amazing community.
Do you have a favourite restaurant?
It’s more of a cafe: Gioia Mia in New Mills. When we moved to the area we visited many eateries and had a lot of bad experiences but here, the owner Ali and his family made us feel at home and always treated us like family. He puts on themed nights where he cooks delicious authentic foods from around the world.
What is your go-to drink?
I love Hendricks with cucumber and Fever-Tree tonic. We named our son Hendrix, although the wife wouldn’t go with the same spelling as the gin.
What dish reminds you most of your childhood?
Spaghetti bolognese. I have five siblings so that was easy for my mum to prepare and is very filling so was a regular dish in our house.
What is your guilty food pleasure?
Pringles. Once it’s opened they all get eaten.
What’s been your weirdest food combination?
I had an octopus seafood platter in Cape Verde. I love anything from the sea.
What one piece of equipment would you love to purchase for your business?
I’m not sure of the actual name but a ride-on floor scrubber dryer. It would make mopping the floors a lot easier!
