The team

Favourite London restaurant?

The Social Eating House, 58 Poland Street London W1F 7NS (Jason Atherton)

Best kitchen worked in?

Les Pres d’Eugenie, Michel Guerard and The River Cafe

What factor of suntan lotion do you use on holiday?

Generally a 20, although I may go 25 on my face

What’s been your best ever blag?

In the 80’s I managed to visit 84 football league grounds for free by pretending to be the press reporter Harry Hill from the Harold Hill Herrold.

Favourite band?

Guns N’ Roses (before they became their own tribute band).

Most episodes watched of a TV show in one sitting and what was it?

5, The Wire

Most interesting person you’ve cooked for and what did they have?

Diana Ross, Grilled aubergine salad

Do you have a side of the bed you prefer sleeping on, and does this change when staying in a hotel if you want to be on the side next to the telephone?

I need to be on the right hand side; if the phone in an hotel is on the left, then I’ll ask for an extension from reception. Usually they say this is a Travellodge not The Plaza Athénée, now hop it…or words to that effect.

Favourite biscuit?

Kit Kat Chunky

If picnicking on the Dunstable Downs what would be the first thing you pack?

Due to recent European legislation my understanding is that it’s now against the law to picknic in the UK without packing a Scotch egg, so that would have to be first in.

Oddest place you’ve woken up?

In Castle Campbell Scotland; indi rockers James cooked me a vegetarian breakfast.

What’s the most amount of money you’ve ever found?

£120 dangling out of a cashpoint machine, I grabbed that pretty sharpish and then had some fun

When traveling by air do you prefer a window or aisle seat?

I prefer aisle for ease of access when embarking on a natural break.

Have you ever been in a newspaper?

In the early days of The Underground Cookery School I was in one of the free London giveaway papers

First record you ever bought?

The Pirates of Penzance Gilbert & Sullivan

Have you ever been banned from anywhere?

Yes from L’equipe Anglaise nightclub (don’t look for it, it’s not there anymore). I was already banned so I went dressed as a girl, go caught, and was double banned

Worst present you’ve received?

An itchy jumper with a rocket on it; I was four and wanted an Action Man. Who buys a four year old boy an itchy jumper?

Do you ever worry how difficult it must be for clowns to get insurance?

With worrying regularity

Favourite London restaurant?

La Pampa Grill, Northcote Road

What factor of suntan lotion do you use on holiday?

At present 30, when I was a kid my mum used to rub me with coconut oil (it never worked, though)

Favourite band?

Air Supplay

Most episodes watched of a TV show in one sitting and what was it?

Prison Break, about 8 in one go

Most interesting person you’ve cooked for and what did they have?

Michael Ballack, he got beef medallions with mushrooms duxelle and white chocolate mousse 

Do you have a side of the bed you prefer sleeping on, and does this change when staying in a hotel if you want to be on the side next to the telephone?

I usually sleep on the left side of my bed, and I try to get the same side when in hotels but honestly it’s not relevant.

Favourite biscuit?

Coconut and/or pistachio

If picnicking on the Dunstable Downs what would be the first thing you pack?

A pair of binoculars and a can of beer of course

Oddest place you’ve woken up?

On an old couch in my friend’s garden hugging an old cat

What’s the most amount of money you’ve ever found?

I’ve never been lucky. Just £30 on the tube

When traveling by air do you prefer a window or aisle seat?

It all depends in the flying time, an aisle seat will give me a better opportunity to reach the loo and in a short journey I’ll prefer the view of a window seat

Have you ever been in a newspaper?

Yes, a few times back home when I used to play basketball for one of the local teams

First record you ever bought?

A Gloria Estefan CD, back in the 80’s

Have you ever been banned from anywhere?

A few times from my own bedroom

Worst present you’ve received?

In one of my birthdays a received a belt twice my size.

Do you ever worry how difficult it must be for clowns to get insurance?

Yes, I loss my sleep every night thinking about the poor clowns

Favourite Dish

Impossible to choose! As long as it’s vegetarian I’ll eat pretty much anything.

Favorite London restaurant?

Maybe Persepolis for tea and baklava.

What factor of suntan lotion do you use on holiday?

50…. And I’ll probably still burn.

Most episodes watched of a TV show in one sitting and what was it?

I have notoriously bad taste for trashy TV. Name a Netflix series and I’ve probably watched the entire thing in one hungover sitting.

Do you have a side of the bed you prefer sleeping on, and does this change when staying in a hotel if you want to be on the side next to the telephone?

Right? I’m not fussy.

Favourite biscuit?

Something with dark chocolate and ginger. Especially with a cup of tea.

If picnicking on The Dunstable Down what would be the first thing you pack?

Last time I went on a picnic I managed to forget food and alcohol (so basically the entire thing). I would definitely delegate the packing to someone else.

What’s the most amount of money you’ve ever found?

Nothing more than a tenner!

When traveling by air do you prefer a window or isle seat?

Aisle usually, I’m pretty restless so I’m sure whoever is sat next to me would probably prefer it.

Have you ever been in a newspaper?

Not to my knowledge.

Do you ever worry how difficult it must be for clowns to get insurance?

No, I have honestly never thought about that

Favorite dish?

Mums Lancashire hot pot.

Best kitchen you’ve worked in?

Aubergine

Favourite London restaurant?

The Square

What factor of suntan lotion do you use on holiday?

15

What’s been your best ever blag?

Managing to persuade a German living in Japan who I bumped into in the street to go and buy me a ticket for the World Cup final in 2002, and sell it to me at face value!

Favourite band?

Oasis

Most episodes watched of a TV show in one sitting and what was it?

Pretty much the first full season of Game of Thrones in one day.

Most interesting person you’ve cooked for and what did they have?

Steven Segal at the Aubergine.  No idea what he ate, but I remember he was burning incense sticks at his table. He came down into the kitchen after to say thank you.

Do you have a side of the bed you prefer sleeping on, and does this change when staying in a hotel if you want to be on the side next to the telephone?

Right. No.

Favourite biscuit?

Liebnitz milk chocolate

If picnicking on the Dunstable Downs what would be the first thing you pack? 

Cured meats and cheese

Oddest place you’ve woken up?

A cinema in Saporo, Japan. I had no accommodation, and they opened it up for stranded football fans.

What’s the most amount of money you’ve ever found?

£10

When traveling by air do you prefer a window or aisle seat?

Window, but I am a gentleman and always let my better half sit there

Have you ever been in a newspaper?

Local paper in Carlisle called News and Star. When I was younger I got to the final of a Bobby Charlton football school competition, got into top 10 out of a lot of kids.

First record you ever bought?

Never bought one, too young 🙂

Have you ever been banned from anywhere?

Nope

Worst present you’ve received?

Nothing specific. Gift vouchers/cards? What’s the point of them? Just give cash?

Do you ever worry how difficult it must be for clowns to get insurance?

Not until now.

Best kitchen you’ve worked in?

I loved every kitchen I worked in… But right now Underground Cookery School kitchen is a happy place to work.

Favourite dish?

This is the hardest question! I am thinking bouillabaisse, paella, raclette… But if I have to choose one, I would say my grand father’s lobster dish. He used to cook this dish every summer! I always think about my grand father when I have to cook a lobster…or even when I see a lobster!

Favourite London restaurant?

Recently I’ve become obsessed with Lyle’s restaurant! A British restaurant in Shoreditch. Casual atmosphere, minimalist industrial decor, fair pricing and delicious food.

What factor of suntan lotion do you use on holiday?

With no hesitation, SPF50 – Every two hours. Without sunscreen protection I can turn into a lobster (big up grandpa!) in like 10 minutes. Not kidding! Protect your skin kids!

What’s been your best ever blag?

When I was a student I used to buy stuff on eBay and would then sell them on for a profit. I actually passed off quite a few transactions.

Favourite band?

Modeselektor and Little dragon. Sorry I can’t choose which one is the best! And they are both incredible live.

Most episodes watched of a TV show in one sitting and what was it?

I discovered LOST really late. Like in 2015! I think I watched the first season in one day…

Most interesting person you’ve cooked for and what did they have?

I would definitely say my parents and my twin sister (here we get emotional for one moment guys). I don’t cook often for them, but when I do I always make something fancy with lots of nice ingredients.

Do you have a side of the bed you prefer sleeping on, and does this change when staying in a hotel if you want to be on the side next to the telephone?

Yes! Right in the middle!

Favourite biscuit?

Fruit and nut biscotti! They are so perfect for dunking in tea or coffee.

If picnicking on The Dunstable Down what would be the first thing you pack?

An umbrella!?

Oddest place you’ve woken up?

I always know where I am falling asleep. Seriously, I could never wake up somewhere crazy – I can’t even sleep on my friend’s sofa. I did once sleep in a tree house though… A really pretty and clean tree house!

What’s the most amount of money you’ve ever found?

I used to find money all of the time in France! I don’t know, people just lose money more there…Once, when I was a little girl I found 50 francs and thought I was rich!
The last time I went on the tube I saw 5 pounds on the floor. But then someone else took it before me (damn it!)

When traveling by air do you prefer a window or aisle seat?

Lets say that if I have the window seat I will think that its cool because of the view, and if I have the aisle seat I will think that it’s cool because I have more space.  I am happy with both seats. But I hate flying! I always stay awake the night before a flight! That way I am (almost) sure to sleep my way through it, and if I am asleep I cannot be scared!

Have you ever been in a newspaper?

Yes! I was 16, it was my first year in catering school and I won a cooking competition. It was so cool!

First record you ever bought?

Honestly, I never bought a record…but if I had to, it would be Jack White / The Raconteurs.

Have you ever been banned from anywhere?

Yes…but I won’t tell you about it here. Guys, my boss is reading this too! You can ask me about it if you have a class with me at Underground Cookery School. It will blow your mind!

Worst present you’ve received?

I can’t answer this, as it was from someone I really care about… But, it’s the thought that counts anyway! I am always happy with presents…and as you know I am really good at selling them on eBay! Only kidding of course…I am using Gumtree now. Still kidding kids…

Do you ever worry how difficult it must be for clowns to get insurance?

Yes! Of course! Everyday…

Favourite London restaurant?

Chicken Cottage. The one on Mare Street.

Best kitchen you’ve worked in?

A now deceased restaurant that the world lost in the earthquake of Christchurch, New Zealand.
My memories of working there are somewhat hazy, but I do recall one staff party involving yachts, lakes, shotguns and an obscene amount of ecstasy.

What factor of suntan lotion do you use on holiday?

My Grandfather was Greek, so the fact that I was born covered head to toe in thick black hair leaves me no need for suntan lotion.

What’s been your best ever blag?

“Life is a blag”

Favourite band?

My mum’s gastric band.

Most episodes watched of a TV show in one sitting and what was it?

I never have and probably never will own a T.V, having said that, some Breaking Bad marathons took place on my laptop earlier this year.

Most interesting person you’ve cooked for and what did they have?

I’ve fed a shed load of famous people but none of them particularly interested me. I would have loved a chinwag with The Queen however when I once roasted her some beef in Lincolnshire.

Do you have a side of the bed you prefer sleeping on, and does this change when staying in a hotel if you want to be on the side next to the telephone?

No and no.

Favourite biscuit?

Anything, as long as it’s not a soggy one.

If picnicking on The Dunstable Down what would be the first thing you pack?

Fudge, and lots of it.

Oddest place you’ve woken up?

Nowhere particularly odd springs to mind, sorry to disappoint.

What’s the most amount of money you’ve ever found?

I once found a leather bag on the 55 bus containing a white envelope full of crisp twenties. Four hundred quid to be exact. It also had some ID inside so I tracked the guy down & gave it back to him, coz I’m nice guy like that.

When traveling by air do you prefer a window or isle seat?

Isle Of Axholme.

Have you ever been in a newspaper?

Yes many times, I used to be a rock star. My mate’s mum has kept all our newspaper cuttings. He now drums for Paulo Nutini touring the world living the rock & roll dream. I however teach people how to mix flour & eggs together in a basement.

First record you ever bought?

Record; Smoke City “Underwater Love” (12 Inch)
CD; Nirvana “All Apologies”
Cassette; Manic Street Preachers “Generation Terrorists”

Have you ever been banned from anywhere?

I have an Israeli stamp in my Passport so technically speaking I’m banned from; Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia and Iraq. Which is a massive shame, as I’d love to visit at least half of those countries.

Worst present you’ve received?

A gun rack.
**DISCLAIMER** I don’t own a gun, let alone many guns that would necessitate an entire rack

Do you ever worry how difficult it must be for clowns to get insurance?

Not in the slightest.

Best kitchen you’ve worked in?

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

What factor of suntan lotion do you use on holiday?

15 but should use 30

What’s been your best ever blag?

Too good to tell!

Favourite band?

Blur/Shed Seven

Most episodes watched of a TV show in one sitting and what was it?

Game of thrones, 3 in a row 

Most interesting person you’ve cooked for and what did they have?

Johnny Depp. Fillet steak and a few nice bottles of red
 

Do you have a side of the bed you prefer sleeping on, and does this change when staying in a hotel if you want to be on the side next to the telephone?

Right side, always next to the phone that’s the beauty of mobile phones!!

Favourite biscuit?

Chocolate Hob Knob

If picnicking on the Dunstable Downs what would be the first thing you pack?

A Sat Nav, as never been there

Oddest place you’ve woken up?

A bank

What’s the most amount of money you’ve ever found?

£20

When traveling by air do you prefer a window or aisle seat?

Don’t mind

Have you ever been in a newspaper?

Yep

First record you ever bought?

Kula Shaker (K)

Have you ever been banned from anywhere?

Nope

Worst present you’ve received?

A wooden fruit bowl
 

Do you ever worry how difficult it must be for clowns to get insurance?

Nope

Best kitchen you’ve worked in?

Marcus Wareing at the Berkley

Favourite London restaurant?

Pitt Cue Co.

What factor of suntan lotion do you use on holiday?

20

What’s been your best ever blag?

I’m a woman

Favourite band?

At the minute; Royal Blood

Most episodes watched of a TV show in one sitting and what was it?

7, Breaking Bad
 

Most interesting person you’ve cooked for and what did they have?

Paul McCartney, can’t remember

Do you have a side of the bed you prefer sleeping on, and does this change when staying in a hotel if you want to be on the side next to the telephone?

Left side always

Favourite biscuit?

Caramel digestive

If picnicking on The Dunstable Down what would be the first thing you pack?

Whats a Dunstable Down?

Oddest place you’ve woken up?

In a tent with my socks on fire

What’s the most amount of money you’ve ever found?

£10

When traveling by air do you prefer a window or aisle seat?

Aisle

Have you ever been in a newspaper?

Yea

First record you ever bought?

Sex Pistols Never mind the bollocks

Have you ever been banned from anywhere?

Plenty

Worst present you’ve received?

Socks

Do you ever worry how difficult it must be for clowns to get insurance?

Every day

Favourite London restaurant?

Joe Allen’s Restaurant (love it, best Caesar salad in London)

What factor of suntan lotion do you use on holiday?

Always factor 30 on the face, don’t want a wrinkly old face!

What’s been your best ever blag?

I bought a very, very expensive pair of shoes and had worn them out on a very boozy girls night out. I scuffed the heel, so I unpicked a few stitches and took them back and said they were falling apart and I have only worn them once! I got a lovely new pair (I know very naughty)

Favourite band?

Not really got a favourite band. I listen to such a variety from Amy Winehouse, Laura Mvula to Pavarotti, and the Man himself “I LOVE” Bob Marley!

Most episodes watched of a TV show in one sitting and what was it?

Downtown Abbey. I took the whole DVD set to Barcelona to see my best friend, and we laid on the sofas on a winters night with several bottles of Cava!

Most interesting person you’ve cooked for and what did they have?

Michael Ballack, he had beef medallions with mushrooms duxelle, and white chocolate mousse

Do you have a side of the bed you prefer sleeping on, and does this change when staying in a hotel if you want to be on the side next to the telephone?

I like the right side of the bed, but if it’s against the wall I must have the wall side!.

Favourite biscuit?

My favourite biscuit is defiantly a Rich Tea, love dunking them in my tea; I can go on and on dunking! But I also love Jammy Dodgers with the little red jammy heart middle.

Sorry hard to pick only one favourite biscuit!

If picnicking on The Dunstable Down what would be the first thing you pack?

My beautiful dog, Bobby Dazzler.

Oddest place you’ve woken up?

When I was travelling in Rajasthan I went camel tracking in the Rajasthan dessert. The first morning was very odd waking up surrounded by nothing but sand as far as the eye see.

What’s the most amount of money you’ve ever found?

I found £100 wrapped up in a moneybag, but it was mine anyway!  Found at the back of one of the drawer when I was packing things away to put into storage. Very nice!

When traveling by air do you prefer a window or aisle seat?

I always sit at the window when I fly, it’s now a kind of obsession, don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t get a window!

Have you ever been in a newspaper?

Never been in a paper, but there’s still time!

First record you ever bought?

Sooooo can’t remember!!

Have you ever been banned from anywhere

I’ve never been banned from anywhere!

Worst present you’ve received?

I was given a very strange necklace by my auntie (which was soooo not me), but when I go to see her I always have it on!

Do you ever worry how difficult it must be for clowns to get insurance?

I’ve never really thought about it, but next time I meet one I will definitely ask! 🙂