Mark is the Head Chef at The Cotswold Grange Hotel which is located in the heart of the Cotswolds in Cheltenham. He is a Pastry Chef at heart but in his 20 years experience he has finally settled here in Cheltenham serving modern and stylish dishes with a twist. After working in a string of luxurious restaurants Mark chats to us about his passion for food.
Q: Describe your Job?
M: I am head chef at The Cotswold Grange Hotel, which is a busy hotel in Cheltenham.
Q: Who are your customers?
M: Our customers are mostly residents of the hotel although the restaurant is very much open to non residents.
Q: What advice do you have for young chefs?
M: Be patient with the industry, sometimes it can be extremely stressful. My wife and two year old son keep me going on the tough days!
Q: What’s the most important part of your job?
M: Making the customers happy and hopefully meeting their expectations and requirements. I have such a passion for food and cooking and its really rewarding when that is portrayed and appreciated in your dishes.
Q: Most enjoyable?
M: The most enjoyable part of my job is experimenting and coming up with new and exciting dishes.
Q: Hardest?
M: The hardest part for me is the stress of the industry. Although I definitely still get a buzz in a really busy and hectic kitchen.
Q: What is your favourite ingredient?
M: Id have to say garlic and coriander. They can really transform a dish and are such fantastic flavours.
Q: Favourite dish?
M:I’m a huge lover of traditional British roast dinners. I love creating homemade dishes but making them with a twist and adding an element of finesse.
Q: Where does your inspiration come from?
M: Id have to say my Mum. It was her that taught me most of what I know and gave me the passion for cooking. Her food is out of this world!
Q: Plans for the future?
M: I’m actually really content at The Cotswold Grange and I just aspire to be the best I can be in my role here. Working in really large restaurants throughout my career I can say I has been a breath of fresh air to work somewhere that you feel you can make a difference.
