The Steeple Times asks Michelin starred chef Michael Wignall: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
The quest for perfection and happiness.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Hoop earrings, pink velour tracksuits and Crocs.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Going to work when it is light, and coming back from work when it is still light.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Youth.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
Self-indulgence, greed and arrogance.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Wow factor” and “wow experience”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Looking after each other should be close to everyone’s heart but unfortunately this is sometimes not the case. I support Action Against Hunger, Street Smart, Macmillan and Make a Wish.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
They have brought everything available to your fingertips, but by doing this it has alienated us from the art of conversation.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Picasso, Audrey Hepburn, Penelope Cruz, Jackson Pollock, David Hockney, Auguste Escoffier and anyone else who can bear me for an hour stuck on a train.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Fugu in the cellars of Dom Perignon.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
12 o’clock.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Someone else’s, due to the fact that they are paying for it.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Believe it or not, a private wealth management banker I know.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Espresso and champagne.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
The sun, because no matter how horrible the day has been, it never fails to rise.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Lotus: unreliable, unpredictable but once you get to know it, its unforgettable.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I actually don’t shout and scream all the time.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Nothing. I detest clutter.
Michael Wignall at The Latymer opened in November 2007 when Michelin starred chef Michael Wignall moved there from The Devonshire Arms Hotel in North Yorkshire. He was awarded two Michelin stars in the 2013 Michelin Guide and five AA Rosettes in the 2012 AA Restaurant Guide. Olive magazine termed him: “The best chef you have never heard of”.
Michael Wignall at The Latymer, Pennyhill Park Hotel, London Road, Bagshot, Surrey, GU19 5EU. Telephone: +44 (0) 1276 486150. Website:
http://www.pennyhillpark.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE_HOTELS/eating_and_drinking/the_latymer.aspx
Follow Michael Wignall on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/MichaelWignall_
Michael Wignall will host his first ever pop-up restaurant and tasting menu every evening from 15th to 18th May 2013 at The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant, Jumeirah Carlton Tower On Cadogan Place, London, SW1X 9PY. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7858 7250. For more information and to book, go to: http://www.theribroom.co.uk/michael-wignall/