Revelations: Simon Crockford, Celtic Manor Resort

30 August 2019 by
Revelations: Simon Crockford, Celtic Manor Resort

What was your first job?

I had a paper round selling the South Wales Echo on caravan sites in Tenby – I got 5p for every paper I sold

What was your first job in catering?

Kitchen porter in a hotel in Tenby

Which is your favourite restaurant?

Little Bao in Hong Kong – the dessert bao is amazing

What's your favourite cuisine?

I love Asian food for its balance and simplicity

Which ingredient do you hate the most?

Tabasco sauce – I never have it in any kitchen I run

What do you always carry with you?

A spoon in work; a phone outside of work

Which person in catering have you most admired?

I really like Jason Atherton. Maze: The Cookbook was a real go-to book at the time it came out and I have loved his food ever since

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

It has changed over the years but now I would say my dad. He just inspires me to achieve all I can and enjoy it while getting there

What daily newspaper/website do you read?

I still get the Tenby Observer sent to me every week. I left 18 years ago and still get it every Saturday

Where was your last holiday?

China, where I ran the Great Wall of China half marathon

Tell us a secret...

I am colour blind

What irritates you most about the industry?

People wanting to climb the ladder too fast and not enjoying the good times of cooking and learning

What's your favourite book?

The French Laundry – the food still inspires me

What is your favourite prepared product?

Puff pastry – it's such nightmare to make!

Who would be in your "fantasy" brigade?

Michael Bates – executive head chef, Celtic Manor Resort. Kieran Harry – sauce – BAR Foods. Tzortzis Vangelis – garnish – Celtic Manor Resort. Karl Jones Hughes – pastry – The Plas, Narberth. Wesley Higgs –

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