The Seven Sins of Steven Ellis |
Chef Proprietor, The Oxford Blue |
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Originally from Lancashire, Steven spent most of his childhood growing up in the Middle East. Aged 16 he returned to England to enroll at the Birmingham College of Food & Tourism, before moving to London to follow his dream.
Steven’s talents were developed working in well-known restaurants such as Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen and the 3 Michelin starred Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, but his vision of creating an extraordinary culinary experience within the comfort of a country style gastropub came from his time spent at Andrew Pern’s Star Inn in Harome.
His Passion is to promote a part of our country’s heritage which hasn’t so much been forgotten but needs to be brought back to life. |
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| Wrath - What makes you angry about the hospitality industry?
With the strong presence of social media and the ever-growing chef/kitchen programs on TV nowadays, I feel more people are viewing this industry as a glamorous profession. It’s now common to believe that after completing college and doing a few months in a professional kitchen, you will launch to fame and become the next Jamie Oliver or Gordon Ramsay over night. It’s easy to expect a lot from the industry without putting the hours in and investing time to perfect skills. This is a hard trade to succeed in and only small minorities make it in to the plush Michelin status that so many young chefs strive to achieve. If you want it, you have to work for it. It doesn’t get handed to you on a plate.
Greed - If all your food fantasies came true what would be on your Plate?
Taking my love for game in to account, I would definitely have some kind of game bird or a red deer Wellington with truffle mash and a really nice rich venison jus.
Sloth - What do you do to unwind?
Strangely enough the best way I find to unwind after a busy week is by coming into work on my days off and designing new dishes in piece and quiet. Just me, my kitchen, and a whole lot of ideas to try out!
Pride - What are you most proud of?
Opening The Oxford Blue has been my proudest achievements, it’s my first venture on my own and having to do all the project managing myself along with my team has been a real eye opener, it has taught me a lot and has enabled me to see the hospitality trade from all angles.
Lust - Is there anything that you are still lusting to achieve?
There are still many things I would like to achieve and personal goals I have set for myself but the main goal for me is to create a successful business, that has regular drinkers and regular guests who come back again and again. Overall I just want guests to enjoy the whole The Oxford Blue experience.
Envy - who are you most envious of?
It’s hard not to be envious of people who have a little more freedom. Sounds strange, but everyone knows that in order to be successful in this trade you have to give it your all. I Iove my job but it would be great to have more spare time!
Gluttony - have you ever over indulged?
I always over indulge in work!
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| We put the spotlight on the industry's most recognisable faces in our new interview segment "Seven Sins". If you want to know what inspires the industry's movers and shakers or what your favourite food loving celebrity likes to indulge in then you'll find it in their Seven Sins. |
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