MEET THE CHEF – ANDREW KING FROM RING O’ BELLS #Meet the Chef

Briony Wilson
4th May 2017

Continuing with our series to find out more about the people who make our food. What makes them tick.

Here are Andrew King, Head Chef at Ring O’ Bells, answers:-

How long have you been a chef?

9 years.

Who was your finest mentor?

I’d have to say my Dad, he’s not a chef but he has always had a passion for cooking, good food & wine. This rubbed off on me from as far back as I can remember. I was also always used to him leaving the house early in the morning & returning late, so I always felt that unless I matched his amount of working hours then I couldn’t really call it a days work!

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in the kitchen?

Every day is a school day.

Which chef do you admire most and why?

In my junior years it was Gordon Ramsay, it was in the time of the TV series ‘Boiling Point’ and I was just in awe! Nowadays it’s probably got to be Heston, he has taken food to a new level over my career as a chef.

How would you describe your style of cooking and current menu?

We are a pub. We make no attempts to be a flash, fine dining establishment. That’s simply not what we or most importantly the customers want. Our spring / summer menu is a diverse mix of fresh, simple & seasonal fayre.

What do you hate most about the Restaurant business?

I love all my suppliers, they all make us the success we are…. but for the love of god DELIVER ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND STOP CLOSING FOR CHRISTMAS!

What meal do you like cooking most for yourself?

Probably a BBQ as it’s the only manly thing I can do!

What is your favourite drink?

A nice red wine

What car do you drive?

BMW 3 series

What do you do for fun?

I used to be a serious darts player, I’ve long since lost the time for that. I’ll go to the football as often as possible but it tends to be a good box set & a glass of red!

Married or Single?

Married last August to my tolerant & wonderful wife Sam, no little ones yet.

Which team do you support?

Arsenal

Taste Cheshire are paying – where would you like to go for a meal?

L’osteria Francescana, Modena.

What foods are cool at the moment?

It’s all about healthy eating, our ‘Buddha Bowl’ is taking the menu by storm

Who is making it happen in the industry at the moment?

If we are staying local, it’s all about Gary Usher!

Three Favourite Films?

The Shawshank Redemption, Buster & Goodfellas.

Twitter or Facebook?

Facebook

How long do you see yourself being a chef?

In one capacity or another I’ll do the job until I retire, I love it!

What’s the secret to a restaurant dish?

Giving someone something they can’t do at home.

What annoys you most when you go out for a meal?

People trying to run before they can walk.