Revelations – Lisa Allen
What was your best subject at school?
I enjoyed art and design
What was your first job in catering?
Washing pots and prepping veg
What do you normally have for breakfast?
Weetabix or a crumpet
What do you do to relax?
Spend time with good company, good drinks and listen to music
What's your favourite restaurant?
Hibiscus in London and Alinea in Chicago
What's your favourite hotel?
The Liberty hotel in Boston, USA - it's an old jail that's been converted
What is your favourite drink?
Tanqueray No Ten G&T or Champagne
What is your favourite food/cuisine?
Italian, charcuterie, antipasti and good British food
Which ingredient do you hate the most?
Kidneys
What do you always carry with you?
Lip balm and mobile phone
Who gave you the greatest inspiration?
David Everitt-Matthias of Le Champignon Sauvage - he gave me my first real look into the industry
Who in catering have you most admired?
Angela Hartnett, as she's the leading female chef in the country and the one to look up to
If you had not gone into catering, where do you think you'd be now?
The first female F1 Grand Prix champion
What irritates you most about the industry?
People that run off when the going gets tough
What's your favourite prepared food product?
Salad cream
What's your favourite film?
The Shawshank Redemption
Who would play you in a film about your life?
Kate Hudson - in a mad comedy
If you had more time, what would you do?
Travel to India and Thailand, spend more time with friends and family and take up a hobby
What's your favourite music?
Paloma Faith, Snow Patrol, Kings of Leon
Who would be in your fantasy brigade?
Tom Kerridge, the Hand & Flowers; Alan Murchison, L' Ortolan; Claire Clark, formerly of the French Laundry; Glynn Purnell, Purnell's
