On The Spot With Daniel Gill

What was your first job?

I helped out at my parents’ restaurant, Pool Court in Leeds. I started as a pot washer. By the age of 14, I had three jobs – one at the restaurant, one at a local pub and one at the Trusthouse Forte hotel.

If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing?

I’d be a gardener as I really enjoy growing different types of crops. Last year to get my kids to eat carrots, we grew purple, yellow and orange ones – it worked!

What was your worst mistake?

Hmm… so few… I think probably I would have liked to travel more when I was younger.

What’s your ideal day away from the office?

Days off are mainly spent doing family-oriented things. My current challenge is teaching the kids how to cycle (without stabilisers).

Name one person you would like to have dinner with and why?

Michel Roux Junior as I think our attitudes to quality of food and service are on a par.

What was your best subject at school?

Geography.

What are your hobbies?

I am really into wines, and often look for rarities at auction.

What would you do if you won the Lotto?

I’d keep half for myself and give half to the Leeds Community Foundation.

What’s your favourite item of clothing?

A really smart suit.

What’s your favourite time of day?

Wine o’clock.

What’s the best thing about Yorkshire?

I love that although a city, Leeds is in such close proximity to the Yorkshire countryside.

What would you like your epitaph to be?

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well” – Virginia Woolf