Yes.
… in order for the guests to understand it because the guests that came when I first started they have to go though that journey along with the way the boys do; they develop and progress. So yes, I am happy but you are never happy to stand still. What we are doing here; right now is great but we can always do more; the dishes develop and become more rounded and better with it.
OK.
Even when it is on the menu, you will look at it and say “Right, that needs to change” or you develop something.
Where do you stand with local? Are you a big fan of “Local”?
Yes, to a certain degree. We use a butcher in Henley – that’s got all local lamb and stuff like that. But if it dips and troughs, then there is no point because it becomes an inconsistent product and then it is just a nightmare.
Yes, my personal perception is that local is becoming a bit of a band wagon …
Yes, everyone is jumping on it.
… and my philosophy, rightly or wrongly, you should always be driven by quality.
Yes, exactly.
And if you are getting better quality strawberries from France then get them from France because it is about the best quality.
Yes, we get Mangos from Thailand because they are the best
Yeap, there are not many in Marlow! (Laughter).
That’s right, and you compare the Thailand mango with a normal one – they are like chalk and cheese. And we go a long way to try and source the best products.
Yes, it is important to support the local people but it it also about getting the right product.
Yes, Pigeons, Quails you can’t beat them when they come from France. The problem with this country, is that you can’t get things with the guts in because of what ever reason so you can’t mature them and bring them on and that adds to the quality of product so there is no point.
Yes, How do you find being out on London? In that you are, maybe, slightly under the radar of National Press and things like that? Let’s be honest if you are just outside that M25 you miss out.
I would have to say yes.
Do you find that frustrating?
Yes, if we could get the press in it could only help – what is that old cliché “Any press (be it good or bad) is good press”
That’s right, there is no such thing as bad publicity.
In Wales we were further out but we got some National Press come in there. Whether that was because it was Wales, I don’t know, but it was hard getting them in there. It took a lot of persuading for them to come up. But yes, it can be very frustrating, more so for me and the boys than Danesfield House.
The last time you went out, where did you eat?
Umm, must have been Sat Bains.
