In My Kitchen: Simon Gueller of the Box Tree, Ilkley

Simon Gueller was one of those who first brought really good, locally-produced food to Leeds on a large scale when he opened Rascasse. He then moved on to his own restaurant in the city and both establishments won Michelin stars although the latter closed after a few months. Since taking on and renovating the Box Tree restaurant at Ilkley in 2004, Simon and his wife Rena have won and retained a Michelin star, along with a host of other awards. His partner now is Marco Pierre White who started out in the Box Tree in the 1970s as a teenager before becoming a celebrity.

What was the first dish you ate which made you want to make it?

I remember when I was a boy I went to London to the Diamond Restaurant in Soho. They served me some freshly steamed scallops in the shell which had been steamed with ginger, chilli, garlic, spring onions and soy. The freshness and the balance of the flavours were exciting and I remember wanting to recreate this.

Who was your first mentor in the kitchen. How did they inspire you?

Marco Pierre White was my first mentor. When I was around 18, I went to work with him in London. Although we were friends and had worked together before, he made it very clear from the start that he didn’t come to work to make friends. Marco’s pure energy and passion for food was inspiring.

At what point did you think you might be able to make a living out of it?

During my school holidays from about 12 years old I worked in restaurants. I enjoyed it so much that when I reached around 15 I was prepared to work has hard as it took to make it my career.

Whose cooking do you admire and why?

My admiration falls to a number of great chefs but mainly those who have not lost touch with their classical roots. The classics always remain solid.

What is your pet hate as regards: food and ingredients generally?

Tiny portions.

Pet hates when working in the kitchen?

Unnecessary ingredients, things put on the plate purely for effect that detract from the main ingredients and flavours.

Pet hates as regards other people’s cooking?

Untidy chefs, whingers.