Revelations: Nick Bennett, head chef, Magnolia Restaurant at Sudbury House hotel, Faringdon, Oxfordshire
What was your best subject at school?
Food tech, obviously!
What was your first job?
I assisted my dad's friend, who was a photographer
What was your first job in catering?
Pot-wash at my local pub. I ended up being in charge on a Monday night!
What do you normally have for breakfast?
Coffee and a banana
What do you do to relax?
I love a day at home with my son Maeson and wife Jess. Maybe a trip to soft play as well
Which is your favourite restaurant?
What's your favourite hotel?
My wife and I love Soho Farmhouse in Great Tew, Chipping Norton
Are there any foods/ingredients that you refuse to cook with?
No, I'm open-minded and will try anything. The only thing I wince at slightly is tongue. I always feel a bit tingly when slicing it…
What is your favourite cuisine?
Relaxed, French-style brasseries. It's hard to beat mussels, fries and beer on a day off
Which person in catering have you most admired?
Simon Haigh, my old mentor from Mallory Court in Leamington Spa. He's a humble culinary hero
Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?
Working alongside Simon Haigh and Andrew Scott through my career gave me a lot to aim for
Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?
Modernist Cuisine, so I could finally read it all
If not yourself, who would you rather have been?
Steve Bull [former Wolves footballer]
If you had not gone into catering, where do you think you would be now?
I'd love to have had a chance at playing rugby seriously
Describe your ultimate nightmare?
Being locked in a dark room in the woods with Huntsman spiders
Who would play "you" in a film about your life?
Matt Lucas
When and where was your last holiday?
Our honeymoon to Florida last May
Tell us a secret…
I can do the 'Waka Waka'
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