'I run a fine-dining restaurant in Yorkshire - and I named it after my favourite thing from the county'

I’ve lived in Yorkshire all my life but the thing that stands out for me is walking through Ilkley Moor after visting my orthodontist and then playing football in the streets in Bradford with my mates.

What’s your favourite part of the county – and why?

It’s a toss up between Harrogate and Bradford. It might have its shortcomings but Bradford is where I lived for the first 20 years of my and I love all its imperfections.

I grew up in Clayton which is a small part of the city where everybody knows everybody. But for now it has to be Harrogate where I now live and my life is here.

It is a beautiful town with lots of green open spaces like the Stray. On my day off I like to get a coffee and sit overlooking the Stray – it’s a huge contrast with Bradford.

What’s your idea of a perfect day out in Yorkshire?

It would definitely be a day off.

It would start with a morning run as the sun comes up, usually around the Nidderdale Greenway or the stray and then a chilled walk up Brimham Rocks to enjoy the view and the fresh air and then end up at a nice pub – somewhere like the Pip and Glass in Beverley where I used to work.

The food is simply amazing and so are the surroundings – proper Yorkshire hospitality – in the summer the place is like a dream.

Do you have a favourite walk?

I’d have to say the Stray in Harrogate. Its big enough to any size walk – you can do a 10k if you want to or stop off for a lunch or a coffee. It’s a perfect walk for me.

Which Yorkshire sportsperson, past or present, would you like to take for lunch?

As a football fan and a Liverpool fan I’d have to say the best player from Yorkshire is probably James Milner.

By the end of his career he will probably be the top appearance maker in the Premier League and it would be so interesting to find out how he been so consistent and kept himself at the higher level of football for more than two decades and been part of some of the best teams the league has ever seen.

Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, past or present, would you like to take for dinner?

Sir Patrick Stewart – I used to work just outside Mirfield where he’s from he’s just got one of those voices that makes him sound like he knows what he’s talking about.

He’s been around the block and I think it would be interesting to hear his life experiences and learn from him.

If you had to name your Yorkshire ‘hidden gem’, what would it be?

It would have to be the Nidderdale Greenway. Some of the views are amazing – you can cycle, walk and run down it and it’s always peaceful I spend at least one part of my day off there every single week.

If you could choose something in Yorkshire to own for a day, what would it be?

You guessed it – Nidderdale Greenway. I’d close it to the public for the day and have it all to myself.

Sometimes it is nice just to switch off and enjoy your own time to think things through and have time to yourself.

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

There are the landscapes and the people but for me from a chef’s point of view it is mainly the produce. You have the farmers and the fishermen – all the produce that is grown in Yorkshire.

We have everything vegetables to local game to Whitby crab which we have on the menu at Rhubarb. Everything we need is in Yorkshire.

We use local suppliers such as Sykes House Farm, R&J butchers and John Moorhouse from Berkmann Wines supplies our wine.

Do you have a favourite restaurant, or pub?

I’ve got to say Rhubarb - it’s a perfect balance of good food and great service but relaxed.

It’s a beautiful restaurant surrounded by glass, the food pretty decent too and the service is fantastic. Fine dining without the fluff.

Do you have a favourite food shop?

I really enjoy Baltzersen’s in Harrogate – the bread and pastries are amazing. And the Cheeseboard that has just relocated – they are really helpful and let me try things I might not have had before.

Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?

My mum and my dad. My dad is Yorkshire born and bred and mum is adopted Yorkshire. They have always guided me and given me great advice. I wouldn’t be where I am without their guidance and support.

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

Yorkshire is the heartbeat of everything we do – we are called Rhubarb because we want to champion the produce of Yorkshire. In my opinion rhubarb is the best thing from Yorkshire and it is known for it nationally if not globally.

We want to champion everything that Yorkshire has to offer and the service aims to match the food. We are very lucky to live where we do.

Name your favourite Yorkshire book/author/artist/CD/performer.

I have two artists – Alice McIntosh – she created all the abstract art if some of the dishes which hang in the restaurant and Ben Staves – he had a little stall at Harrogate Food and Drink Fare and one of his drawings has Rhubarb on which I found really humbling.

If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, where should it be?

It would have to be Harrogate. You have everything you needs – walks, shops, independents restaurants and cafes – and of course Rhubarb.