SHIRLEY LUDFORD, station manager at Swindon 105.5FM, tells us about her life with food

Do you cook a lot yourself? What is your failsafe dish?

I am a little lazy at cooking for myself, especially as my days are long and I often opt for quick and easy food, but do include fruit and fresh veg. I do really enjoy planning and cooking for friends and dinner parties, spending time being creative and making dishes I’ve never made before. One of my failsafes is a pork and banana dish, cooked slowly in a casserole dish, and dessert-wise a cream and liquor dessert with sliced almonds or flaked chocolate on top.

Where do you like to eat out? How often?

I love variety and enjoy a good curry or Italian meal. The Biplob and La Carbonara are two of my favourite local restaurants. I go out to eat about twice a week

What do you always hope to find on a menu? For starter? Main course? Dessert?

I am a savoury rather than sweet person. Starter-wise, I enjoy good avacado dishes. For a main course, I love inviting-looking fish dishes, then topping it off with an inspiring range of cheeses.

Which foods did you hate as a child? Do you eat them now?

Definitely cabbage and mince! I remember at the age of five being forced at school to eat soggy cabbage swimming in cold water along with mince cut into tiny hard bits that fellow student called “chopped toe nails”. I love cabbage now – raw and cooked. Mince is fine as long as I don’t have to cook it myself.

What is your favourite drink?

I rather like cocktails! They can be fun and more interesting, especially for a Libran where choice of standard drinks can take a while – and cocktails can be alcoholic or not. The best non-alcoholic ones were in Romania where I took a holiday last year and the choice and quality was amazing and delicious (I’m fancying one as I write this!)

Marmite: yes or no?

Yes. Love it!

What is your guilty pleasure when it comes to food... something you know you shouldn’t eat, but do anyway?

I have to confess I do have a guilty-pleasure. Living in Corsica for a year I got a real passion for crepes with Cognac and fresh-made Chantilly cream. I remember eating many while sitting by the Old Port! They always bring back memories.

You are on your own at home watching a film. What is your snack of choice?

I love nuts... so a large bowl of mixed nuts with plenty of cashews. Beats popcorn any day.

You are eating a bacon sandwich...ketchup, brown sauce or nothing at all?

Lovely crisp bacon with a touch of brown.... delicious!