Every week we interview top chefs from around the UK, hearing about their cheap food hacks, views on the industry and more. This week, we speak to Kevin Tickle, the chef and owner of Heft, in Newton-in-Cartmel, Cumbria…
My best cheap and easy eat at home is… pasta with some chilli oil and parmesan. It’s possible to do this for pennies, but if you can splash out on better quality pasta and cheese, then you’ll definitely taste the difference.
My favourite cheap restaurant where I live is… Higginson’s Butchers in Grange-over-Sands. The absolute GOAT of pie makers, so much so that we had this for our wedding breakfast, and it’s the Huntsman’s Pie. Initially created by Stuart Higginson’s wife, Pauline, it’s a pork pie layered with chicken and has a stuffing top. Absolute perfection, especially if you get there in time for a warm one from the shop!
My favourite restaurant chain is… Dominos. We’re pretty lucky here that we’re surrounded by so many indie places, but I can’t say no to a Domino’s pizza. It’s always the Mighty Meaty with extra jalapenos.
One restaurant in the UK that’s worth blowing out for is… Moor Hall in Aughton, all day long.
When attending a dinner party, a guest should always bring… some decent banter is a good start, but I love it when people bring some quality booze like local craft beer and a little extra to enjoy alone while doing the washing up.
Food influencers can be… a really fantastic thing for any industry, but it’s annoying to receive requests from people who haven’t put any groundwork in and are after the freebie. We have worked with some amazing people who have grown a following organically as their passion shines through – as a result, they get to know people in the industry, and it can be a great partnership.
One thing customers do that I hate is… make complaints after the event about something that could have easily been sorted or navigated. It’s especially annoying when the complaint is made using a third-party website. If you know, you know…
My top tip for navigating a wine list is… ask for help and be prepared to try something you haven’t had before. People who work in restaurants are there to guide you, and no one knows a wine list better than the person who put it together.
My idea of good mobile phone etiquette in a restaurant is… I don’t mind if people use them as a camera, it’s basically good PR, but making calls and having it on loud or speaker is a big no-no. Watching videos is another no from me. Enjoy the food, the company and live in the moment!
If you are running behind… you should ring the restaurant before you are late.
The best chef in the UK is… Mark Birchall.
