Chef Revelations: Adam Brown, head chef, Brockencote Hall

What was your best subject at school?
I enjoyed all sports and anything that involved me being able to be creative

What was your first job?
When I was 15 I worked part time in a pub, cooking simple food

What's your favourite restaurant?
I don't really have a favourite restaurant if I'm honest. Food is so subjective and all chefs have their own style, so when I eat out I just love to see what other restaurants are doing. The most important thing for me is if care and passion has gone into the cooking.

What do you normally have for breakfast?

What's your favourite hotel?
It's not a hotel as such but when I went to the Maldives with my wife Rachel we stayed in an ocean villa overlooking the Indian Ocean - totally amazing! Closer to home, Brockencote Hall where I work is part of the Eden Hotel Collection and our seven luxury hotels are really incredible. I'd recommend staying at them!

What's your favourite food?
My mum's food is always a winner

Are there any foods/ingredients that you refuse to cook with?
I try wherever possible to avoid cooking with ingredients that are out of season.

What's your favourite drink?
Mostly lager but I do love red wine too - oh and Champagne ,of course

What do you always carry with you?
My USB memory stick - there are many years of recipes on there (don't worry - it's all backed up)

Which person in catering have you most admired?
Simon Haigh (Mallory Court hotel) for always being there for advice and guidance, also for opening so many doors for me. Without him I wouldn't be where I am today and I'm truly grateful for that. He has the ability to get the most out of people, is a great boss and I never stop learning from him.

What do you do to relax?
Go to the gym - I think it's really important to stay fit and healthy

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?
David Everitt-Matthias (Le Champignon Sauvage). Working with him was hugely inspirational and what I learnt has stayed with me ever since.

Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?
A bottle of Cristal

Who would play you in a film about your life? Hmm, probably Ross Kemp

Describe your ultimate nightmare
Just me, a full restaurant and no chefs to help me. That would be tough!

When and where was your last holiday?
A family holiday in Lanzarote, which was a really good laugh