The Seven Sins of Paul Merrett |
Executive Chef and director Jolly Fine Pub Group |
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Paul Merrett is chef director at the Jolly Fine Pub Group, He has a deserved reputation for Modern British food with an Asian twist. In his fine-dining days, Paul’s cooking was twice awarded a Michelin star before he found his culinary home in London’s gastropub scene.
Alongside Greg Bellamy he launched The Farm in Fulham before they bought The Victoria in East Sheen in 2008. Hard work and dedication saw The Victoria named London gastropub of the year 2013. He’s also a successful author of three cookbooks and also appears on TV.
Paul also maintains a successful media career – being involved in several television series including The Best, Ever Wondered about Food, Economy Gastronomy and appearances on Market Kitchen, Perfect, Daily Cooks Challenge and Saturday Kitchen. |
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Wrath - What makes you angry about the hospitality industry?
Oh loads! Currently irked at people who book tables and don’t show up. On Mothers Day across our 3 pubs we had a total of 55 people who booked and failed to pitch up. That’s a significant loss of revenue which we weren’t able to recover. For larger tables we operate a credit card system to secure the table but we only charge a tenner if they don’t come in. We have to tread carefully because the public are very anti credit card reservations but frankly I don’t see why. If you book a flight or a train and you then decide to watch telly instead you don’t get your money back. If you book a gig or the theatre you pay for your seat weather you turn up or not.
I am also a founder and director of The Alliance of Independent Restaurants (AIR) and we are running an event specifically to discuss this issue because it does impact on our business significantly.
Greed - If all your food fantasies came true what would be on your Plate?
Well I need a big plate because greed isn’t served starter size. Right now it would be something spicy. Maybe a Brazilian Moqueca or a Zanzibar chicken curry... I was brought up on that kind of thing so inevitably it’s the food I yearn most.
Sloth - What do you do to unwind?
Well I’ve tried most things... alcohol, drugs, fast motorbikes, chocolate but these days being 50 I tend to use healthier options. I’m a keen cyclist. I get out at least twice a week for a long ride and I really find it clears my head and sets me up to go again.
Pride - What are you most proud of?
Soppy answer: I have 2 amazing kids
Professional answer: My 3rd book Spice Odyssey just beats gaining a Michelin Star
Honest answer: I did Ride London in 4 hours 58 mins
Lust - Is there anything that you are still lusting to achieve?
I’ve never been asked to make Paul Wellers birthday cake. I even made sure my son was born on the same day (May 25) so the least they could do is have a joint party with me in charge of catering... Oh I’d like to win a Bib Gourmand at one of our pubs too please.
Envy - who are you most envious of?
1. Any chef who achieves that illusive life-work balance thing
2. Who ever is currently making Paul Wellers birthday cakes
Gluttony - have you ever over indulged?
Way too many times to recall...
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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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