My Passion with Nick Middleton: Raising a glass to the tastes and culture of Spain

Nick Middleton, head chef at Owlerton Stadium in Sheffield, talks about his passion for the Mediterranean.

My line of work involves some very unsociable hours. While most people are sleeping, I am working, and vice versa.

Yet somehow a nine to five job has never really been something that has appealed to me. I am much more comfortable with the Mediterranean way of life of working, playing and eating late.

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I have always loved all things Mediterranean: their attitude to life is just so different from that in Britain.

Time does not seem to be such a controlling factor for people living in the Mediterranean and people always have a smile for everybody and seem outwardly more relaxed. Spain, in particular, has always been a country and culture I have admired and enjoyed.

My passion for all things Spanish plays a big part in

my social life. I often enjoy a glass of Rioja Spanish wine to help me unwind after a long shift.

As head chef and catering manager at one of Sheffield's most prestigious venues, my job is very fast paced, and often stressful, so I love nothing more than to spend my spare time relaxing and embracing the Spanish way of life.

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On my days off I can frequently be found eating at one of my favourite restaurants, La Tasca, a Spanish tapas restaurant on Ecclesall Road.

A perfect night for me would be to eat at La Tasca and then spend the rest of the evening dancing the night away at Cubana. I even indulged in some salsa lessons a couple of years ago.

I've always had a thirst to see the world and have spent considerable time travelling, yet Spain is the country I always return to.

To me, its atmosphere and culture is like nowhere else and I aim to visit Spain and its islands at least twice every year. It helps to keep me to unwind and reduces any Gordon Ramsay-esque tantrums.

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There is a thriving Spanish following and community in Sheffield and I often attend Spanish-themed events with friends and family.

The renowned Buena Vista Social Club visited Sheffield City Hall last year and Napoleons throw a particularly good Spanish party.

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