Chef Revelations: Sophie Mitchell, executive chef, Pont St, Belgraves Hotel
Revelations: Sophie Mitchell, executive chef, Pont St, Belgraves Hotel, London
What was your first job in catering?
Pot washing in the local restaurant at 14. I was cooking full-time in restaurants from the age of 15, which meant I didn't even do my GCSEs in the end.
What do you normally have for breakfast?
Avocado on toasted rye bread or bacon and eggs
What do you do to relax?
I swim, work out at my gym a lot, and then hang out with friends eating and drinking. Like any girl I am partial to a bit of shopping.
Which ingredient do you hate the most?
Are there any foods/ingredients you refuse to cook with?
That would be ridiculous! How can you be a chef and be exclusive?
What is your favourite food/cuisine?
Italian and South-east Asian
What do you always carry with you?
My two mobiles - I would be lost without them. Oh, and my gold and diamond evil eye bracelet that was given to me in Beirut - it keeps evil spirits away.
Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?
A scuba-diving kit, as it would help with catching some damn fine seafood for the barbie
What flavour combinations do you detest?
I'm a little bit funny about chocolate and fruit - I am not keen on chocolate and lemon at all
Which person in catering have you most admired?
Michel Roux Jr
Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?
My mother - she's always pushed me a lot and been there for me
What is your favourite drink?
I drink masses of water throughout the day, but I also love a good Mersault, jalapeno margaritas and Vita coconut and coffee⦠probably not in that order
Who would be in your fantasy brigade?
Gizzi Erskine (she writes for The Times and does amazing pop-ups and menus); Jack Stein (Rick Stein's son, works in Padstow for his father); Carl Clarke (founder and executive chef of Disco Bistro, an epic pop-up); Neil Rankin (head chef at Smokehouse); and Tom Oldroyd (executive chef at Polpo). They are all very talented young chefs and, above all, are a brilliant laugh. We wouldn't get much work done, but if we did, it would be brilliant.