Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1558" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Simon-Hartnett-Queens-Hotel-Southsea.jpg" alt="Simon Hartnett Executive Head Chef the Queens Hotel Southsea Portsmouth Hampshire" class="wp-image-32758" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Simon-Hartnett-Queens-Hotel-Southsea.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Simon-Hartnett-Queens-Hotel-Southsea-770x800.jpg 770w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Simon-Hartnett-Queens-Hotel-Southsea-963x1000.jpg 963w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Simon-Hartnett-Queens-Hotel-Southsea-768x798.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Simon-Hartnett-Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1479x1536.jpg 1479w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Simon-Hartnett-Queens-Hotel-Southsea-505x525.jpg 505w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-first-job-in-a-kitchen">Your first job (in a kitchen)?</h2>



<p>I’m a local lad and my first proper job was as a commis apprentice aged 19 at the Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea. Before that, I worked at various ‘ping and ding’ pub kitchens. It was a big adjustment adapting to a big hotel kitchen serving up a huge volume of meals and catering for buffets and weddings. I loved the fact that the people took it seriously and learned an enormous amount about food and cooking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-did-you-always-want-to-be-a-chef">Did you always want to be a chef?</h2>



<p>Yes, from as far back as I can remember. I was fascinated by food as a child. When we went on holiday to France, I would use the pocket money I’d saved to go round the food markets buying cheese and other treats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-career-highlight">Career highlight?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1865-restaurant-min.jpg" alt="The Queens Hotel Southsea Restaurant 1865 Hampshire" class="wp-image-27935" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1865-restaurant-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1865-restaurant-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1865-restaurant-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1865-restaurant-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/08/Queens-Hotel-Southsea-1865-restaurant-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It has to be running The Queens Hotel. I’m really happy to work in such a big iconic place in my home town and I have a really great team. We’re always busy but I count myself blessed, especially at certain moments like when I’m in my office looking out at the sea and in summer when the garden is full and the restaurant is buzzing. It’s also really rewarding to watch apprentices and chef de parties grow in their careers and keep improving.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sum-up-your-cooking-style-food-philosophy">Sum up your cooking style/ food philosophy?</h2>



<p>Previously, my style has been nose-to-tail cookery which worked well in two AA Rosette-winning pubs. At the Queens Hotel, my focus is making the most of good ingredients with classic dishes that suit the grandeur and classic style of the building like ox cheek and beef bourguignon. I ignore trends and try and create dishes done as well as they can be – the best version you’ve ever eaten. The classics are the classics for a reason.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-memorable-moment-at-work">Most memorable moment at work?</h2>



<p>The first time I won an AA Rosette at The Old Drum pub in Petersfield. I was brought in by new owners who really transformed the place and I worked every hour for it but it was still unexpected.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-biggest-mistake-at-work">Your biggest mistake at work?</h2>



<p>Honestly, in my early career I could be a little ruthless. I was too hard on myself and I expected everyone else to be too hard, too. In time I learned to be nurturing, rather than stifling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-re-tired-starving-and-impatient-what-do-you-cook-for-dinner">You’re tired, starving and impatient: what do you cook for dinner?</h2>



<p>I’m ordering in! Otherwise for a quick meal at home it’s grilled meat with spicy mixed rice. Done in 20 minutes and I know it will be tasty.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-would-you-cook-to-impress-a-date">What would you cook to impress a date?</h2>



<p>Beef Wellington. It’s a showstopper and really shows skill to get it right. I’ve been married for 20 years so it’s more of a weekend or date night dish for me.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-chef">Favourite chef?</h2>



<p>Connor, my brilliant number two chef at The Queens Hotel. I’m also a big fan of Tom Kerridge. Like me, he’s all about creating classic dishes to a really high standard.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-cookbook">Favourite cookbook?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1353" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Thomas-Keller-Bouchon-Bakery.jpg" alt="Thomas Keller Bouchon Bakery" class="wp-image-32863" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Thomas-Keller-Bouchon-Bakery.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Thomas-Keller-Bouchon-Bakery-800x722.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Thomas-Keller-Bouchon-Bakery-1000x902.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Thomas-Keller-Bouchon-Bakery-768x693.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Thomas-Keller-Bouchon-Bakery-582x525.jpg 582w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.thomaskeller.com/bouchon-bakery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery</a>. I’m a massive patisserie fan. When I step in a good one, I’ll always spend a fortune. The photography in that book always makes me starving &#8211; the dishes are like art. Keller’s shortbread recipe is the best I’ve ever found. It’s often the book that I pull out of my office to show the team what can be done.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-type-of-cuisine">Favourite type of cuisine?</h2>



<p>I really like Middle Eastern food. There’s a great Turkish restaurant just up the road from the hotel that’s so good. I also love Lebanese, the subtle spicing of grilled meat vegetables done well. Of course, I love French and Italian cuisines too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-kitchen-gadget">Favourite kitchen gadget?</h2>



<p>A Thermomix. It’s the Rolls Royce of kitchen blenders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-local-cafe-restaurant-hotel">Favourite local café? Restaurant? Hotel?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/09/Florios-montage.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-31998" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/09/Florios-montage.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/09/Florios-montage-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/09/Florios-montage-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/09/Florios-montage-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There’s a brilliant Italian deli and pizza restaurant in Southsea called Florios d’Italia. It moved from another location and hasn’t been open long. I’ve already been in there far more than I should. The pizzas are incredible &#8211; it’s a brilliant place to go for a family birthday or with the kids. The atmosphere is nice and chilled. Hideout is my favourite coffee shop. It’s just the coolest place.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-three-favourite-local-markets-and-suppliers">Your three favourite local markets and suppliers?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="696" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Fish-Market-Portsmouth.jpg" alt="Fish market Portsmouth Hampshire chefs " class="wp-image-32864" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Fish-Market-Portsmouth.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Fish-Market-Portsmouth-800x557.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Fish-Market-Portsmouth-768x535.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Fish-Market-Portsmouth-754x525.jpg 754w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic: <a href="https://www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/food-and-drink/seafood">Visit Portsmouth</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>We get the majority of our meat from Buckwells butchers. It has good, traditional service and a lovely product. I also use the fish market at Old Portsmouth, it’s by the water with trawlers and boats with lots of fresh catch to choose from. When they’re in season, tomatoes from Tomato Stall on Isle of Wight are the absolute best.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-things-to-eat-when-you-re-on-holiday">Favourite things to eat when you’re on holiday?</h2>



<p>It really depends on where I’m going. In Spain it’s paella with fresh fish, pasta in Italy, moules in France – and always the local wine or beer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-mistake-do-inexperienced-cooks-tend-to-make">What mistake do inexperienced cooks tend to make?</h2>



<p>Professionally I’d say it’s chefs being over confident – thinking they know it all before they do and not listening to why it has or might go wrong. Domestically, I think the opposite – people often play it too safe. Be confident with what you do and if it goes wrong, you can always go again.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-ingredient-and-why">Favourite ingredient and why?</h2>



<p>Vanilla. It’s the best smell in the world. Just thinking about crème brulee makes me hungry! I like to work with pork like belly bacon, hock and pig cheeks too because it’s so versatile.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-over-rated-dish-ingredient">Most over-rated dish/ ingredient?</h2>



<p>Truffle. I do use it in the kitchen but only very sparingly. There’s nothing worse than an overly pungent truffle oil.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dish-you-re-most-proud-of-creating">The dish you’re most proud of creating?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1342" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Pork-Belly-Scallop-Queens-Hotel-min.jpg" alt="Pork Belly with scallops signature dish Restaurant 1865 Simon Hartnett The Queens Hotel Southsea" class="wp-image-32866" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Pork-Belly-Scallop-Queens-Hotel-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Pork-Belly-Scallop-Queens-Hotel-min-800x716.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Pork-Belly-Scallop-Queens-Hotel-min-1000x895.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Pork-Belly-Scallop-Queens-Hotel-min-768x687.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/12/Pork-Belly-Scallop-Queens-Hotel-min-587x525.jpg 587w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A simple little chicken and mushroom pie. I don’t normally put it on the menu but whenever I do it’s really popular. A real signature dish of mine is pork belly, with black pudding and scallops. It always sells well and tastes incredible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tell-us-your-best-ever-cooking-tip">Tell us your best ever cooking tip?</h2>



<p>Add more butter!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-dishes-every-home-cook-should-master">Three dishes every home cook should master?</h2>



<p>A good roast. If you can make one, the family will always be happy. For a quick weekday supper I’d say a ragù base for bolognaise or chilli. You can make so many different dishes with it. And you need to master at least one really good dessert like a baked Alaska. Once you have, you can wow people with it time and time again.</p>



<p><em>Simon Hartnett is Executive Head Chef at Hampshire’s&nbsp;<a href="https://queenshotelportsmouth.com/eat-drink/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Restaurant 1865 at The Queens Hotel</a>&nbsp;in Southsea.</em></p>


What’s Cooking? Simon Hartnett, The Queens Hotel, Southsea

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