Michael Wignall: ‘I’m a Michelin-starred chef but my meals at home are pretty simple as I don’t have the luxury of time’
While Michael Wignall has held a Michelin star for seven years at The Angel at Hetton, he says meals at home are ‘pretty simple’ as he doesn’t have the ‘luxury of time, equipment and staff’.
Michael Wignall started his cooking career at Broughton Park in Chester when he was in his early twenties.
He then moved onto The Old Beams in Staffordshire, Waldo’s Restaurant in the Cliveden Hotel, Michael’s Nook in Cumbria and Burlington Restaurant at The Devonshire Arms.
He brought the Michelin star award to each restaurant he worked at and retained the two Michelin stars at Gidleigh Park in Devon in 2016.
Mr Wignall and his wife moved to Skipton in 2018 where he took over The Angel at Hetton and again earned and retained a Michelin star up until this year.
However, with a family he isn’t afforded the time, equipment and staff to pull off Michelin star-level cooking at home.
“At home, meals are pretty simple,” Mr Wignall said.
“I can’t compete with all the time, equipment, and staff that go into restaurant dishes. I don’t have that kind of luxury!
“My kids love noodles and Asian dishes though, which are quick, easy, and everyone actually eats them.”
Mr Wignall described his favourite Easter meal to cook.
“It has to be good-quality chicken, simply roasted with garden herbs and wild garlic,” he said.
“I love it with cavolo nero, crispy roast potatoes, and a beautifully rich Bordelaise sauce, it’s absolutely delicious!”
Yorkshire is full of great food destinations, Mr Wignall said.
“I’d suggest spending the afternoon in the back garden at The Star Inn at Harome. It’s the perfect setting to relax and enjoy a truly top-quality lunch in beautiful surroundings.
“Then in the evening, I’d recommend heading to The Angel at Hetton for a relaxed night out.
“Enjoy a glass of champagne while watching the sun set over Rylstone Fell — a fitting way to round off the day.”