Revelations: Helen Graham, head chef, Bubala, London
What was your first job?
Sales assistant at Boots
What was your first job in catering?
Doing the washing up at the demo kitchen at JW3
Which is your favourite restaurant?
Kiln, Koya and Jolene, all in London
What's your favourite hotel?
The London Edition
What is your favourite drink?
Anything with an ostentatious garnish
What is your favourite food/cuisine?
Israeli, Sichuan or Japanese
Which ingredient do you hate the most?
Meat substitutes – great veggie food shouldn't need them
Are there any foods/ingredients that you refuse to cook with?**
Snails – they scare me!
What flavour combinations do you detest?
I don't like pineapple on pizza. Sorry guys
Which person in catering have you most admired?
Nigel Slater for his pure love of food and simple pleasures. His recipes are a joy and I find his manner so calming
What do you always carry with you?
Glossier Boy Brow
Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?
Marc Summers, my business partner, who founded Bubala. He's so driven with a really clear vision, and endears everyone and anyone he comes into contact with. He's been an incredible support and huge inspiration
Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?
Belazu tahini. It's incredible and so versatile
If not yourself, who would you rather have been?
Gary Rhodes
Tell us a secret...
I've had zero formal training
What irritates you most about the industry?
When people take it for granted and don't appreciate all the work that goes into getting a meal on the table
When did you last eat a hamburger?
Last week (I'm not vegetarian)
What's your favourite film?
High Fidelity
Who would play "you" in a film about your life?
Helena Bonham Carter
Photos: Shutterstock
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