Revelations: Great British Menu's Elly Wentworth, head chef, the Angel, Dartmouth

Ahead of her appearance on Great British Menu this evening, we caught up with Elly Wentworth, head chef at the Angel, Dartmouth.

 

What was your best subject at school?

 

Business studies or PE – I used to play hockey

 

What was your first job?

 

I used to deliver the local newspaper after school

 

What was your first job in catering?

 

My first job was actually making pasties in Cornwall. Then I started an apprenticeship through college in Plymouth and I worked at Tanners in Plymouth

 

What do you normally have for breakfast?

 

Mostly cereal, or a cheeky crumpet

 

What do you do to relax?

 

I love walking or just chilling at home, watching a TV series

 

Which is your favourite restaurant?

 

Paco Tapas in Bristol. Amazing vibe and the food is amazing. I love watching them cook

 

What’s your favourite hotel?

 

Lucknam Park hotel – the grounds are beautiful and it is just an amazing place!

 

What is your favourite drink?

 

I love a good coffee!

 

What is your favourite food/cuisine?

 

I generally love all cuisines but I do love a pasta dish

 

Which ingredient do you hate the most?

 

Pickled herrings or sea urchin

 

What flavour combinations do you detest?

 

Marmite – either you love it or hate it! I’m a hater

 

What do you always carry with you?

 

A brand new sharpie

 

How would you describe your desk?

 

I haven’t got a desk. Most likely a section in the kitchen after service

 

Which person in catering have you most admired?

 

I really admire Michael Caines. I think he’s a legend in the hospitality sector – a true chef to look up to

 

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

 

Chris Tanner, James Tanner and Hywel Jones

 

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

 

It’s got to be a Wispa – I love them. Or a cheeky pack of bagels

 

What daily newspaper/website do you read?

 

Local papers around Dartmouth, but mostly BBC News online. Or Instagram and Facebook – they update me on everything I need to know

 

If not yourself, who would you rather have been?

 

Someone who is inspiring and can make a change

 

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

 

A photographer

 

Describe your ultimate nightmare?

 

When a supplier is late

 

When and where was your last holiday?

 

I went to Cape Verde in January 2019 – it was amazing

 

Tell us a secret...

 

I’m am identical twin!

 

What’s your favourite film?

 

Step Brothers is just hilarious. And The Hundred-Foot Journey is class

 

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

 

Most likely my twin sister – except for the cooking part

 

What’s your favourite book?

 

Daniel Clifford’s cookbook

 

Who would be in your “fantasy” brigade?

 

Chris Tanner of the Kentish Hare, Richard Davies of Calcot Manor, Michael Wignall of the Angel at Hetton, Jeffrey Robinson of the New Yard in Cornwall, Mark Stinchcombe of Severn & Wye Smokery, Lisa Goodwin-Allen of Northcote and Monica Galetti. I can do the washing up!

 

If you had more time, what would you do?

 

I’d work at a two-star abroad and learn a different style of cooking