How did you get into the industry?
I started working in the industry when I was 20 and living in London. I’ve always loved food, the creativity behind it, and how exciting, fast-paced, and social the restaurant world can be.
What’s your favourite food?
Something that always delights my soul is some good, fresh sushi. I love all kinds of food, but I think general Asian cuisine and how spices are utilised is just magical.
Is there a food you won’t eat?
I’m a pescatarian, so I guess meat. I mean, I’ve eaten a bit of a whelk before, but I don’t really ever want to eat escargot. Maybe I’ll try it one day. Maybe I’ll love it.
Where have you had the best fish and chips?
The Cod’s Scallops. The fact that I get to work here and try all the dishes is amazing. That Monday Madness haddock is delicious. It normally comes with the skin on and the flavour and the juiciness is just perfect. The crispy batter that doesn’t get claggy too…so good!
What side is a must with your fish and chips?
It depends on how I’m feeling. I could drink the curry sauce at The Cod’s Scallops, but I think it has to be mushy peas. Oh, and some soft, fluffy, buttered white bread.
If you could open a fish and chip shop anywhere, where would it be?
I wouldn’t. I mean, how am I going to compete with The Cod’s Scallops? I might steal their ideas and take it abroad though. Just don’t tell anyone. I think a proper British fish and chips would go down so well in Pakistan.
Do you have a favourite restaurant?
Bills in Nottingham’s city centre is an easy favourite. Their menu is great and the food there always satisfies my soul. Otherwise, I like to peruse Hockley and see where my stomach takes me. They have some great, authentic sushi spots there. Pici in Hockley is fantastic too.
What is your go-to drink?
Where do I even start? A double espresso to get me going or the Strawberry and Rhubarb Posh Pop (that I tried first at The Cod’s Scallops) because it’s delicious! So refreshing and light with that little rhubarb tang – perfect for this weather, though the best thing I’ve ever drank is a taro frappe from some little place in Brooklyn, New York. I would literally go back just to taste that flavour again.
What dish reminds you most of your childhood?
My mum is a great cook and I grew up with amazing Pakistani food. Her turnip and lamb curry is amazing. Her chickpea curry is phenomenal – so rich and creamy – or even something simple like a fresh paratha with some mango pickle on the side.
What is your guilty food pleasure?
The doughnuts from The Nottingham Goose Fair. Boba tea makes me very happy too, and I do like a pizza with extra, extra, extra mushrooms.
What’s been your weirdest food combination?
I think some people may look at it really weird, but it works so incredibly well, and that’s the deep fried, battered mince pie with ice cream we do at The Cod’s Scallops. I don’t even like mince pies, but the way they do them here elevates them to a whole new level. Pickle juice and Diet Coke is another one. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good either.
What one piece of equipment would you love to purchase for your business?
A conveyor belt from the fryer to my mouth! I can’t think of anything really. I’m happy with what we have. We have a great coffee machine and the ice cream machine is my best friend.
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