The Weekender Interview: Aiden Byrne

By Joe Lutrario

- Last updated on GMT

Aiden Byrne 20 Stories
Aiden Byrne is the youngest British chef to have ever won a Michelin star (he was just 22). He recently opened 20 Stories in partnership with D&D London which comprises a fine dining restaurant and a grill restaurant. He also owns the Church Green in Lymm, Cheshire.

What image do you currently have on your phone’s wallpaper?
One of the default ones.

What was your first job?
Stanneylands Hotel in Wilmslow, with Ian Donald.

Gordon or Marco? 
Marco.

What was the last film you saw in the cinema? 
The new Peter Rabbit with my daughter.

What is your guiltiest food pleasure? 
Snickers.

Where are you going on your next holiday?
I haven’t got anything booked.

What industry figure do you most admire (and why)?
Tom Aikens because he is an absolute grafter.

If you weren’t in restaurants, what would you do?
I’ve no idea.

Biggest regret?
No regrets.

Pet hate?
String in celery on a cheese board.

What’s the oddest thing a customer has said to you?
“20 Stories’ fish pie is too small.”

Marmite: love it or hate it?
Hate it.

Describe your cooking style in three words
Honest. Wholesome. Creative.

What country do you next want to visit?
Thailand.

Most overrated food?
N/A.

Restaurant czar for a day – what would you implement?
I'd ban TripAdvisor.

What’s the worst review you’ve ever had?
Mark Garner, Manchester Confidential for 20 Stories last month. 

What made you want to become a chef?
I fell in love with kitchens when I was 14.

What do you cook at home on your days off?
I don’t cook anything at home, my wife does.

What advice would you give someone starting out in the industry?
Be patient.

Which single item of kitchen equipment could you not live without?
My Thermomix.

iPhone or Android?
iPhone.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Be patient.

What’s your earliest memory? 
Cycling down a bridge at four years of age, without any brakes and hitting a lamppost.

Where do you go when you want to let your hair down?
I don’t go anywhere. What little time off I have I spend with my family.

Twitter or Instagram?
Twitter.

Tipple of choice?
Whiskey.

What would you choose to eat for your last meal?
The burger at The Spotted Pig in New York.

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