Revelations: Daniel McGeorge, head chef, Rothay Manor, Ambleside, Cumbria

We delve into the life and inner thoughts of a top chef. This week: Daniel McGeorge, head chef at Rothay Manor

 

What was your best subject at school?

 

Science

 

What was your first job?

 

As a shop assistant in a clothes shop at Christmas many years ago

 

What was your first job in catering?

 

At Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa in the Wirral

 

What do you normally have for breakfast?

 

A nice warm crumpet with plenty of butter

 

What do you do to relax?

 

I like to go fishing and switch off from everything

 

Which is your favourite restaurant?

 

Restaurant Mirazur in Menton, France

 

What is your favourite drink?

 

Coffee, although I probably drink it too often

 

Which person in catering have you most admired?

 

Gordon Ramsay

 

Which ingredient do you hate the most?

 

Right now it has to be nuts as I am being tested for an allergy

 

How would you describe your desk?

 

A mess

 

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

 

My partner has inspired me to be better every day to build a good life for both us and my daughter

 

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

 

A luxury yacht

 

If not yourself, who would you rather have been?

 

Elon Musk, it must be nice to have an endless supply of money

 

When and where was your last holiday?

 

In this country, Devon in January; my last holiday abroad would have been Menton in 2019

 

What’s your favourite book?

 

Probably the cookbook Frantzén by Björn Frantzén

 

What irritates you most about the industry?

 

Being told by the government that the industry I love is unskilled and that is really unfair. In my opinion it is a very skilled industry

 

What’s your favourite film?

 

The original Lion King, you just can’t beat it

 

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

 

Stephen Graham

 

What is your favourite prepared product?

 

I am partial to a custard-filled doughnut