Revelations: Louise Maratty, commis chef, Seaham Hall, Durham

We delve into the life and inner thoughts of a top chef. This week: Louise Maratty, commis chef, Seaham Hall, Durham

What was your best subject at school?

There were two – technology and history

What was your first job in catering?

Commis chef at Hardwick Hall hotel, County Durham

What do you normally have for breakfast?

Banana sandwiches, porridge or Weetabix with a yogurt drink

What do you do to relax?

Listen to music and colouring in

Which is your favourite restaurant?

Tomahawk on Newcastle Quayside

What's your favourite hotel?

I don't spend a lot of time in hotels, but I do admire the Ritz London

What is your favourite drink?

Appletiser

What flavour combinations do you detest?

Chilli and chocolate

What is your favourite food?

I love Swedish meatballs with pasta

Which ingredient do you hate the most?

Malt

Which person in catering have you most admired?

Michel Roux Jr

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

My grandma and mum

If not yourself, who would you rather have been?

Elon Musk – he is a clever man

If you had not gone into catering, where do you think you would be now?

My plan B was to be a lawyer

Tell us a secret...

I don't really have any – I'm an open book!

What irritates you most about the industry?

People not in the industry not understanding how hard and challenging it can be at times

When did you last eat a hamburger?

I am eating one while typing this

What's your favourite book?

Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo – I've loved it since I was a kid

If you had more time, what would you do?

I would love to start my own business from home