Revelations: Scott Paton, head chef, Boringdon Hall

What was your best subject at school?

 

Graphic design – for a few years at school I was torn between graphics and cooking

 

What was your first job?

 

The Jack in the Green, Exeter. I was a KP on evenings and weekends before becoming a commis

 

What do you normally have for breakfast?

 

It varies, but admittedly quite often I skip breakfast

 

Which is your favourite restaurant?

 

I really enjoyed Midsummer House in Cambridge

 

 

What’s your favourite hotel?

 

The Newt looks really cool

 

What is your favourite drink?

 

Gin and tonic, and Salcombe gin in particular

 

 

What is your favourite food/cuisine?

 

Classical, with a modern twist

 

Which ingredient do you hate the most?

 

Pine nuts

 

What do you always carry with you?

 

A spoon and a pen, I’m always ready to taste or make a note

 

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

 

Michael Caines, he’s a local hero. His palate is remarkable

 

 

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

 

Jelly beans

 

If not yourself, who would you rather have been?

 

I’m quite happy being me, but I’d like to be someone funny!

 

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

 

Probably something in graphics but I’ve not given it a second thought – I love what I do!

 

Describe your ultimate nightmare?

 

Heights. Being up somewhere high and having to get down – gives me the shivers!

 

When and where was your last holiday?

 

Morocco. I loved it

 

Tell us a secret...

 

I don’t always use local...

 

What irritates you most about the industry?

 

Irresponsible cooking and no respect for produce

 

What’s your favourite film?

 

Ratatouille