Revelations: Great British Menu's Chris Cleghorn, head chef at the Olive Tree, Bath

Ahead of his appearance on Great British Menu this evening, we caught up with Chris Cleghorn, head chef at the Olive Tree at the Queensberry hotel, Bath.

 

What was your best subject at school?

 

Unsurprisingly, it was catering

 

What was your first job?

 

A paper round, then I started as a waiter before I was old enough to work in a kitchen

 

What was your first job in catering?

 

I was a trainee chef in a hotel making room service food, buffets and breakfast

 

What do you normally have for breakfast?

 

Porridge, honey, banana and blueberries

 

What do you do to relax?

 

I like to get outdoors, either on a long, rambling walk or I go for a run to work off all that steam

 

Which is your favourite restaurant?

 

The Raby Hunt near Darlington. The food and service are phenomenal

 

What’s your favourite hotel?

 

Well, it has to be the Queensberry, but if that isn’t allowed, Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds comes a close second

 

What is your favourite drink?

 

You can’t beat a glass of Sauvignon Blanc

 

Which ingredient do you hate the most?

 

Tinned tuna

 

Which person in catering have you most admired?

 

I had the privilege of working for Michael Caines, who is not just an incredible chef but also as a brilliant spokesperson for the industry. I have also eaten at Sat Bains’ restaurant and was blown away by the intensity of flavour and the work ethos

 

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

 

Clare Smyth, after doing a stage at Royal Hospital Road

 

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

 

Matches, so I could keep myself warm and rustle myself up something to eat

 

If not yourself, who would you rather have been?

 

A police officer

 

Who would be in your “fantasy” brigade?

 

Björn Frantzén, Sat Bains, Clare Smyth and Thomas Keller

 

What’s your favourite book?

 

Setting the Table by Danny Meyer