Revelations: Simon Shand, head chef, Leroy, Shoreditch, London

We delve into the life and inner thoughts of a top chef. This week: Simon Shand

 

What was your best subject at school?

 

English literature

 

**What was your first job? **

 

I cleaned in a fishmongers for £4 an hour, it was pretty horrifying

 

**What was your first job in catering? **

 

In a small café. It was an eye-opening experience and it’s been incredibly useful down the line

 

What do you normally have for breakfast?

 

Two ham and cheese croissants from Pret

 

What is your favourite drink?

 

Chartreuse, but there are consequences

 

Which is your favourite restaurant?

 

Before it closed it was Arbutus, and I also love Morito in Exmouth market – I go every year for my birthday

 

What’s your favourite hotel?

 

Town Hall hotel in Bethnal Green, London

 

Which ingredient do you hate the most?

 

Buddha’s fingers. They’re creepy and expensive

 

What flavour combinations do you detest?

 

Chocolate and mint. Rank

 

Which person in catering have you most admired?

 

Phil Howard, a total genius

 

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

 

Bradley, the restaurant manager at Leroy

 

If not yourself, who would you rather have been?

 

Director Paul Thomas Anderson, he’s got incredible vision and talent but is personable and funny

 

Describe your ultimate nightmare?

 

Eight crabs arrive at 11.45am – you have 15 minutes!

 

Tell us a secret...

 

Are you flirting with me?

 

What’s your favourite film?

 

This year, Another Round. Of all time, probably Magnolia

 

What is your favourite prepared product?

 

Boudin noir

 

If you had more time, what would you do?

 

I’d try and make a film