Flash-grilled: Alex Webb

What was your first industry job?
I was a pot wash at 14 in my local restaurant.

If you weren’t in kitchens, what would you do?
I would have been a gardener or football player.

What industry figure do you most admire, and why?
Jamie Oliver, because he is from my hometown and I have always read his books when I was younger.

What’s your pet hate in the kitchen?
An untidy kitchen – clean kitchen and clean plates of food are a must.

What’s the oddest thing a customer has said to you?
I once got mistaken as Bart from MasterChef.

Sum up your cooking style in a single sentence…
Modern French cookery with British ingredients.

What’s the worst review you’ve ever had?
I only read the good reviews… haha!

What advice would you give someone starting out in the industry?
I would say to always practice, and watch lots of shows and read cooking books, also I love going to food markets.

Which single item of kitchen equipment could you not live without?
Definitely a Thermomix, I love these.

What would you choose to eat for your last meal?
Roasted turbot, caviar and a Champagne sauce, but hopefully not any time soon.

À la carte or tasting menu?
Tasting menu all the way.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had in a restaurant?
Apart from mine… I would say Paul Ainsworth in Padstow!

What’s your favourite fast food joint?
McDonald’s.

What’s the dish you wish you’d thought of?
Cheese fondue – I love cheese so much!

MasterChef or Great British Menu?
Definitely MasterChef.

What’s the most overrated food?
Pizza or burgers.

You’re restaurant dictator for a day – what would you ban?
Cutlery, and see what happens.

Who would your dream dinner party guests be?
Mark Noble and Hugh Grant.

What’s your earliest food memory?
I remember helping mum and dad for dinner parties, even though I had to sit on the bench.

Twitter or Instagram?
Instagram. 

Where do you go when you want to let your hair down?
I watch West Ham play, but not sure my hair gets let down.

What’s your tipple of choice?
I would say my own cider, delicious!

What’s your favourite food or drink pairing?
I love half Coca Cola and half Fanta. Also like having caviar with Pringles.

What do you consider to be your signature dish?
I think at the moment it’s my lobster toast; hopefully it can be a thing.