The Seven Sins of Tommy Banks |
Chef Patron, The Black Swan Oldstead |
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Tommy heads the kitchen at The Black Swan at Oldstead, which he and his family have owned and run for the past 10 years. They have lived and farmed around Oldstead for many generations; it's very much their creation, and very much Tommy's passion.
With his farming background naturally he wanted to grow his own produce in Oldstead, so over the past 3 years a 2 acre kitchen garden has taken shape in the feld next to the restaurant. Both kitchen and front of house are now very closely involved in the incredibly short journey from field to plate.
Tommy has achieved great attention and national recognition. At the age of twenty-four, he became the youngest Michelin-starred chef in Britain when The Black Swan retained its star in September 2013.
The Black Swan also gained a 4th AA Rosette in January 2016, making it unique as the only restaurant in Yorkshire and the North East to hold a Michelin Star and 4 AA Rosettes. Tommy competed on Great British Menu in October 2016, with his Mackerel fish dish making it through to the Banquet at Westminster. |
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Wrath - What makes you angry about the hospitality industry?
Bullying! I've seen it too many times in the kitchen, when people's egos get in the way of what's really important; cooking great food.
Greed - If all your food fantasies came true what would be on your Plate?
Definitely rib of beef with loads of soft gooey stinky cheese, and plenty of truffle too.
Sloth - What do you do to unwind?
I'm lucky as a large part of my day can be spent outside, either in the garden or out in the woods foraging. I take my dog Penelope and listen to classical music and just enjoy the quiet.
Pride - What are you most proud of?
Self pride is not an emotion I have really, but I regularly feel proud of other people. I am very proud of what we have achieved at The Black Swan, but equally we have a lot still to do.
Lust - Is there anything that you are still lusting to achieve?
I reserve my lust for my girlfriend really! But yes, there are countless things that I still have left to achieve. I think we're at the beginning of a very exciting journey here at The Black Swan, but I still get constantly frustrated when I'm unable to to achieve the goals I have instantly.
Envy - who are you most envious of?
I feel extremely lucky to be in the situation where I don't waste much energy thinking about what others have and really appreciate the support of my family and friends. I find envy a very unattractive characteristic.
Gluttony - have you ever over indulged?
Constantly! Ice creams my kryptonite. Ben & Jerry's every time. What's life if you don't over indulge!
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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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