Chef Portrait

Viv Marshall - Head Chef Rather than just present a CV we decided to ask Viv to answer the top 10 most frequently asked questions by customers! Should you be meeting with her you now have a head start! 

1. Why did you want to be a Chef?

My Grandad was a Chef for Sir Winston Churchill. I admired this from an early age and thought it would be something I would like to do.

2. What challenges have you had to face?

Being a woman in this industry. Why is that so hard to understand?

3. What is the best thing about your job?

Very Simple - The cooking! I just love cooking.

4. And, the worst?

When you aren't cooking. Working out profits and stock taking... the boring bits!

5. There must be something you can't cook?!

I am still thinking! No doubt there will be a customer one day but recently we have produced Indian, Jamacian, Spanish, French and American Dishes for clients. By the way I am not very good at Wedding Cakes before you ask! 

6. What about your speciality?

Anything involving fish or game. I like experimenting with traditional dishes and incorporating new ideas - it's all about originality.

7. If you were stuck on a desert island, what 3 items could you not live without?

My husband, son and grand kids!

8. If you could invite 3 people to a dinner party at your house, who would they be and why?

My family - there wouldn't be a dull moment.

9. Tell us something embarrasing, nasty, cringeworthy that has happened during your career as a Chef?

Saying 'Hi' to Prince Charles after he heard me rehearsing what to say...

10. Which Chef's do you admire?

Any Chef that can actually cook! Gary Rhodes for his precision. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall for his knowledge. Jamie Oliver because he is young and I wish I was his age (Not a valid answer!) Angela Hartnell because she has made it as a female Chef and Gordon Ramsey for his straight talking!

Thank you