Chef revelations: Simon Denton
The chef-director of Zafferano in London reveals his likes and dislikes
What was your best subject at school?
Mathematics
What was your first job?
Worked for my father, who was a boat builder on the Thames
What do you normally have for breakfast?
Porridge with coconut water
What do you do to relax?
Shooting, fishing or rugby
Which is your favourite restaurant?
Le Champignon Sauvage
What's your favourite hotel?
Alila-Ubud in Bali
What is your favourite drink?
Classic gin martini with olives
Which ingredient do you hate the most?
Pre-packed cracked black pepper, it should be banned
What flavour combinations do you detest?
Brine and gin. Whoever thought a dirty martini was a good idea had obviously had one too many martinis
Which person in catering have you most admired?
Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?
My old rugby coach. He still does - we are still great friends
Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?
Salt and pepper
Describe your ultimate nightmare
Being alone on a desert Island
If not yourself, who would you rather have been?
Dave Grohl
Tell us a secret…
I was southern region one-mile sprint canoe champion two years in a row with the sea cadets
When did you last eat a hamburger?
A few weeks back at Dirty Bones with deep-fried mac 'n' cheese
Who would play you in a film about your life?
Mathew Perry
What's your favourite book?
Kitchen Confidential
What is your favourite prepared product?
Lemon curd
Who's in your fantasy brigade?
Glynn Purnell on the larder, Michael O'Hare on pastry, David Everitt-Matthias on the stove and Phil Howard on the pass
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