This week it’s the turn of KIM JONES, chef at The Rolleston,

Commercial Road. Call 01793 534238

When did you first take an interest in cooking, and when did you decide you wanted to become a chef?

It happened all by accident. When I was 16, I went to eat at a restaurant and I saw how bad food can be, sodecided I wanted to be a cook. My uncle ran The Rolleston and said he was looking for a cook so it started from then.

Where did you do your training?

I partly learned on the job and did my NVQs. Ileft The Rolleston several times to work in hotel and restaurants, such as the Weighbridge Brewhouse, to gain experience, but I always came back.

How would you describe the style of food served in your restaurant?

Mainly classic British food with a twist, but I love my specials. I travelled quite a bit in Thailand, and Asian food excites me. I did Asian cookery courses in Vietnam which means our food nights, Around The World In Eight Meals, are all authentic.

Do you have a signature dish? If so, what?

Moroccan lamb – a slow cooked, four-hour dish, served with cous cous.

What would you order from your own menu?

Beef bourguignon or Moroccan lamb. We strive for a simple menu so I can play with my specials. I get bored doing cheesy chips or club sandwich. I am also obsessed with making the perfect stock for my gravy. I use a two-day stock and no gravy granules.

Your favourite vegetable, and why?

Spinach because it is good for you. We have a lot of vegetarians and spinach can be used in so many different ways.

And favourite dessert?

People go crazy for our sundaes. I make chocolate fudge cake to go in them.

Do you cook a lot at home? What sort of food?

Yes, but I work crazy hours so I do stir fries, Thai food or casseroles that are easy for my other half to heat up.

Where else locally do you like to eat?

Nowhere much. It is mainly work and home.

Why should people come to The Rolleston?

We use Maguire’s butchers who supply us with brilliant fresh meat. We are a family pub with a homely atmosphere. The bar staff are a friendly bunch and we work so well together it is like a dance, a really good team.