Chef Revelations – Paul Heathcote

What was your first job? Making garden sheds

What was your first job in catering? Prep chef in a steak and chips restaurant called Smithells Coaching House

Which is your favourite restaurant? I admire Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons for many reasons

What's your favourite hotel? Claridge's

What's your favourite drink? Anything that Craig Bancroft (Northcote) brings me - if not, top Bordeaux

What do you do to relax? Anything to do with sport but skiing is my favourite

Which person in catering have you most admired?
I admire many in this industry - it is a hard job to have longevity - so probably Albert Roux

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration? The late Francis Coulson

What flavour combinations do you detest? Chilli with everything for the sake of it

Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take? A full wine cellar

If not yourself, who would you rather have been? Difficult, I always believed in being the best yourself but I admire people like Nelson Mandela

If you had not gone into catering, where do you think you would be now? Working in the health business with my mother and father

What do you normally have for breakfast? Yogurt, fruit, honey, mint tea

Describe your ultimate nightmare Too many drinks with Mark Hix, Mark Edwards and Richard Corrigan

When and where was your last holiday? Portugal - Villa Joya, celebrating Craig Bancroft's 50th birthday

What irritates you most about the industry? Lack of training

What is your favourite prepared product? Chestnuts

Who would be in your fantasy brigade? Terry Laybourne, Nigel Haworth, Raymond Blanc, Michel Roux Jnr, Heston Blumenthal, Chris Galvin, Jason Atherton and Paul Rankin

Paul Heathcote is the owner of Heathcotes Restaurants