Revelations: Cindy Challoner, sous chef, Hang Fire Southern Kitchen, Barry

What was your best subject at school?

 

Welsh. I got an A*. Not bad considering it's my first language!

 

What was your first job?

 

Costcutters in New Quay, Ceredigion. I worked behind the tills

 

What was your first job in catering?

 

At the Cambrian Hotel Quay West in West Wales

 

What do you normally have for breakfast?

 

Which is your favourite restaurant?

 

Pur' at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. The food is pure bliss

 

What's your favourite hotel?

 

The Hilton Prague Old Town for incredible cocktails on the rooftop bar

 

What is your favourite drink?

 

A Peroni. You can't beat a refreshing pint

 

Which ingredient do you hate the most?

 

Unprepared squid - ink under your nails for days and days

 

What is your favourite cuisine?

 

Italian to eat, classic French to cook

 

Are there any foods that you refuse to cook with?

 

I won't cook live lobsters or shrimps and I won't work with foie gras

 

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

 

My partner, Laura. She always believes in me and has given me the confidence to push myself

 

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

 

I can't even imagine a life without cooking. Probably something to do with the Welsh language. I love Wales and speaking Welsh

 

Tell us a secret…

 

I am super accident-prone. Not content with chopping off the ends of my fingers, I have also trapped and crushed them in my motorbike

 

When did you last eat a hamburger?

 

Last night - I am on a quest to find the best burger in South Wales

 

What's your favourite film?

 

Alien - the original and the best

 

Who would be in your "fantasy" brigade?

 

Monica Galetti and Angela Hartnett