How did your career begin?

I was born in Epworth, and my father was a gamekeeper so from an early age I came to appreciate local produce and quality ingredients. I was educated at North Lindsey College and studied towards my HND in Grimsby.

The majority of my training after my studies took place in the three-Michelin-star Lameloise in Chagny.

What represents your ‘Food Heaven’ and what is your personal ‘Food Hell’?

I think when a chef is passionate and skilled there are few dishes they can  dislike. I love most dishes and most ingredients, but I especially love  Seared Foie Gras and Brioche.

I think my one and only dislike is hare — its flavour and texture and smell — but I think that’s probably a throwback from my childhood when we had it so often.

What’s the secret behind creating  a really great dining experience?

Food doesn’t have to be pretentious or complicated... it just has to be made with care and from quality ingredients. I love the county’s local ingredients and local produce — they're crucial to the success of Lincolnshire's restaurants.

Is there life beyond the kitchen?

There’s life beyond the kitchen... but it’s not as exciting as life in the kitchen. Being a chef is brilliant; it’s fair to say I live to entertain and satisfy my customers and to make sure they enjoy a great dining experience!

For more information on this Lincolnshire Restaurant call The Queen's Head on  01529 305743 or see www.thequeensheadinn.com