Revelations: Ben Tish, culinary director, Norma and the Stafford London

What was your best subject at school?

 

English. I loved it and still do

 

**What was your first job?

 

Working for my mum and dad in their seaside café in Skegness. I was on the pot-wash aged 12

 

What is your favourite restaurant?

 

That’s a tough one, but the River Café in Hammersmith

 

What’s your favourite hotel?

 

Babington House in Somerset – my wife and I got married there. We go back a couple of times a year. It’s very romantic

 

What is your favourite drink?

 

A very dry gin martini, with Tanqueray 10 and one olive. Stirred!

 

What ingredient do you hate the most?

 

Sweet potato

 

What person in catering have you most admired?

 

What Nick Jones created with Soho House is phenomenal

 

What person gave you the greatest inspiration?

 

Undoubtedly Jason Atherton

 

Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?

 

My wife and dogs

 

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

 

I think doing something with writing, maybe a journalist

 

Describe your ultimate nightmare?

 

Being late. If I’m travelling I have to be at the airport or train station super early

 

When and where was your last holiday?

 

Sicily in February, just before this all kicked off. I was researching for my new book

 

Tell us a secret...

 

I had a spell as a DJ when I was 18 – I played so pretty

 

What irritates you most about the industry?

 

That it’s still seen as a second-class industry, despite being the third largest in the UK

 

When did you last eat a hamburger?

 

A couple of days ago – I love a Ginger Pig burger

 

What’s your favourite film?

 

Fight Club

 

Who would play “you” in a film about your life?

 

Adrien Brody

 

What is your favourite prepared product?

 

M&S breaded chicken tenders