Revelations: Great British Menu's Chris Cleghorn, head chef at the Olive Tree, Bath
Ahead of his appearance on Great British Menu this evening, we caught up with Chris Cleghorn, head chef at the Olive Tree at the Queensberry hotel, Bath.
What was your best subject at school?
Unsurprisingly, it was catering
What was your first job?
A paper round, then I started as a waiter before I was old enough to work in a kitchen
What was your first job in catering?
I was a trainee chef in a hotel making room service food, buffets and breakfast
What do you normally have for breakfast?
Porridge, honey, banana and blueberries
What do you do to relax?
I like to get outdoors, either on a long, rambling walk or I go for a run to work off all that steam
Which is your favourite restaurant?
The Raby Hunt near Darlington. The food and service are phenomenal
What's your favourite hotel?
Well, it has to be the Queensberry, but if that isn't allowed, Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds comes a close second
What is your favourite drink?
You can't beat a glass of Sauvignon Blanc
Which ingredient do you hate the most?
Tinned tuna
Which person in catering have you most admired?
I had the privilege of working for Michael Caines, who is not just an incredible chef but also as a brilliant spokesperson for the industry. I have also eaten at Sat Bains' restaurant and was blown away by the intensity of flavour and the work ethos
Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?
Clare Smyth, after doing a stage at Royal Hospital Road
Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?
Matches, so I could keep myself warm and rustle myself up something to eat
If not yourself, who would you rather have been?
A police officer
Who would be in your "fantasy" brigade?
Björn Frantzén, Sat Bains, Clare Smyth and Thomas Keller
What's your favourite book?
Setting the Table by Danny Meyer
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