MEET YOUR CHEF

Ben Cunningham brings passion and drive to The Empire, with 20 years' experience in the trade and culinary expertise ranging from Asian to Mexican cuisine.

QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS

Signature dish?
Chilli-cracker prawn curry.

Favourite restaurant?
A small family-run Turkish restaurant called Mellies. The food is to die for!

What is your go-to meal at home?
Comfort food is a must at home in the English winter, My favourite is braised beef brisket with mashed potato and a red wine jus.

Funniest thing to happen in the kitchen?
Knocked myself out walking into a shelf corner!

Advice to a young chef?
Take your time. Becoming a good chef takes time and patience. You need to be like a sponge and soak up all the knowledge that comes your way. There's no such thing as a stupid question.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CHEF'S TIPS

Making the perfect roast potatoes:

When the potatoes are peeled and dry, scratch them all over with a fork for extra crispiness
Let the potatoes dry out fully before putting in the oven
Always season well before baking!