Chef revelations: Steven Ellis

The chef-proprietor of the Oxford Blue in Windsor reveals his likes and dislikes

What was your best subject at school?

To be honest, none! I wasn't really the perfect student, but if I had to say one, it would be PE

What was your first job in catering?

Working as a commis/prep chef in a country hotel near Northampton called Fawsley Hall

What do you do to relax?

You could say I'm a little too obsessed with my job, as on my days off, when the pub is closed, I like to go into the kitchen and work on new ideas for dishes

Which is your favourite restaurant?

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. Everything is executed perfectly, making it practically flawless

What's your favourite hotel?

The Wheelhouse at the Star Inn at Harome

Which person in catering have you most admired?

Marco Pierre White. He showed me anything is possible when you have passion and drive

What is your favourite food?

Wild game, without a shadow of a doubt

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

My gran. She would always be there for me and remind me that "whatever happens, never give up on your goal"

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

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

An ice hockey player

Tell us a secret…

My nickname at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay was Sleepo, as I was never on time

What irritates you most about the industry?

It's very opinionated; everyone thinks they are a critic

What's your favourite film?

All the Rocky films

What's your favourite book?

Has to be White Heat

If you had more time, what would you do?

Start shooting, so I could hunt game