Chef revelations: Merlin Labron-Johnson
The head chef of Portland restaurant in London reveals his likes and dislikes
What was your first job?
Assistant at Ashburton Cookery School
What do you normally have for breakfast?
A coffee and, if I have time, a fruit or vegetable juice smoothie
What do you do to relax?
I like to spend time with my friends, visit other restaurants and get out of London for a day or two
Which is your favourite restaurant?
A place called Jef in Ghent, Belgium
What is your favourite drink?
Barrel-aged Negroni
What is your favourite cuisine?
French
Which ingredient do you hate the most?
Sea urchin
What flavour combinations do you detest?
I once had a sea urchin and coffee sabayon. It didn't work for me
What do you always carry with you?
Mobile phone and a Sharpie
Which person in catering have you most admired?
Rose Greene, former sous chef at In De Wulf, Belgium
What daily newspaper/website do you read?
The Guardian
If you had not gone into catering, where do you think you would be now?
Travelling the world
Describe your ultimate nightmare
Being trapped for a long time in a very small space
When and where was your last holiday?
I went on a quick trip to Paris last bank holiday weekend
When did you last eat a hamburger?
Monday at Bar Boulud
What's your favourite film?
Withnail and I
What's your favourite book?
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
What is your favourite prepared product?
Oven-ready puddings
If you had more time, what would you do?
I'd love to learn to speak more foreign languages
Latest video from The Caterer
Continue reading
You need to be a premium member to view this. Subscribe from just 99p per week.
Already subscribed? Log In
