Flash grilled: Derek Johnstone
What was your first industry job?
Working in Burger King at 16 years old
What industry figure do you most admire, and why?
Michel Roux Jnr. I learnt so much from my time working with the Roux family and will always be grateful for the education that I received from them.
If you weren’t in kitchens, what would you do?
It would still need to involve food so perhaps a fisherman or gamekeeper
What's your pet hate in the kitchen?
Chefs not tasting their own food
What’s the oddest thing a customer has said to you?
I once had a vegan guest that claimed to eat beef, that was slightly odd.
Sum up your cooking style in a single sentence…
Very natural, seasonal and based on local seasonal produce.
What’s the worst review you’ve ever had?
I've not had too many to be honest. I have had a few bad ones on TripAdvisor over the years but nothing that I really remember.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the industry?
Find a good mentor and stay with them for a few years. This is crucial in the early years of your career.
Which single item of kitchen equipment could you not live without?
A Thermomix.
What would you choose to eat for your last meal?
Grilled Rib eye chop, triple cooked chips and a good bearnaise sauce.
À la carte or tasting menu?
A la carte. I don’t have time for tasting menus.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had in a restaurant?
My 30th Birthday lunch with my wife at Pierre Koffmann’s at The Berkeley.
What's your favourite fast-food joint?
Nando's.
What’s the dish you wish you’d thought of?
My sous chef presented me with the most delicious crapaudine beetroot dish with a sunflower seed emulsion. It was an amazing vegan dish, so well balanced and tasted wonderful.
MasterChef or Great British Menu?
MasterChef obviously!
What's the most overrated food?
Foie gras.
You're restaurant dictator for a day – what would you ban?
Mobile phones. I wish we could just go and enjoy the food and serve. Not everything has to be put on social media.
Who would your dream dinner party guests be?
My parents, whom I don’t see nearly enough.
What’s your earliest food memory?
Granny May’s tripe. It was bad!
Twitter or Instagram?
Neither. But Instagram if I had to pick one
What’s the closest you’ve ever come to death?
There's been no near-death experiences for me yet thankfully.
Where do you go when you want to let your hair down?
A long walk on the beach with my two little dogs
What's your tipple of choice?
A local gin and tonic.
What's your favourite food and drink pairing?
Whisky and dark chocolate
What do you consider to be your signature dish?
Dry-aged duck, tamarillo fruit, stovie and lavender
