This week it’s the turn of Russell Loades, chef at Graze, Gosditch Street, Cirencester. Call 01285 658957

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

I started cooking at 17 in the Close Brasserie in Tetbury. I have always loved food, eating it, cooking it, and experimenting with it. There are so many combinations of flavours you never stop learning.

Where did you do your training?

I trained all over the South West and Cornwall, but really found my passion working for Jamie Oliver, helping open restaurants all over the country.

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

I would call the food at Graze modern English. We still use traditional methods of cookery but we use modern twists to give our dishes a cheeky edge

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

My dish is one we used across the company on the last menu: seared scallops, roasted and pureed cauliflower, crispy pork belly and micro greens... so simple but so beautiful. The key to great food is simplicity

What would you order from your own menu?

The rib eye steak. It’s everything we are about. 10ozs of great beef, great fat content, aged properly, cooked over hot coals with triple cooked chunky chips and Bearnaise sauce... hungry now?

Your favourite vegetable, and why?

Heritage tomatoes. The colours, the smells of the vines, the different shapes, the tastes... I could go on and on about them!

And favourite dessert?

Favourite dessert has to be the new sticky toffee pudding I have just put on the new autumn menu, with maple syrup, toasted pecans and clotted cream. Every time it comes out the oven we all have a bit with a cup of tea as a treat.

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

I love cooking at home, especially for women. What chef doesn’t?! On my days off it is great to cook one dish for one person, no time limits, no noise, just me and the food.

Where else locally do you like to eat?

I get out to other restaurants when I can. It is so good to see what everyone else is doing, and grab some inspiration from different menus. The Royal Oak at Tetbury is always a solid choice for going out with friends.

Why should people come to Graze?

We offer great food, great service, great atmosphere, wood fires, awesome beer and a team with a real family culture at its core.