He's the publican known for his perfect pies.
Ben Hathaway, owner and head chef of The Sun Inn in Romsey, talks Chelsea Flower Show, James Martin, Judi Dench, roast dinners and British strawberries in our meet the chef column.
What first inspired you to become a chef?
"My nan inspired me. She owned a farm in Fair Oak and was always surrounded by different animals, foods and cakes!"
What was the first meal you cooked for someone else?
"A roast. I started cooking them at about 11 years old."
Tell us a bit about your career so far…?
"I've worked all over. I worked with James Martin at first while at college. Tennis clubs, pubs, The Concorde Club in Eastleigh was my longest stretch at The Moldy Fig."
What is your proudest career moment to date?
"Cooking for The Queen's Tent at Chelsea Flower Show where I met some lovely celebrities, including Judy Dench. And also obviously having my own pub and restaurant."
"I would say my signature dish is my pies. We do a lot of my pies here. Love a great pie."
What is your favourite dish currently on your menu?
"My favourite dish will always be a roast dinner. I could eat one every day."
What is your favourite meal to cook at home?
"Since owning the pub, I don't eat at home. The pub is my home so I always eat here. Lots of choices for me!"
What do you like to drink with dinner?
"If I get out for dinner, i usually try to have a Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine. It's my favourite."
"The key ingredients in my fridge are eggs and gammon. We go through a massive amount of ham, egg and chips. We cook and glaze our own hams here. It's very popular."
What is your favourite Hampshire ingredient or delicacy?
"My favourite ingredient at the moment would be the local strawberries. We have had Eton Mess sundaes on. Very popular. Nothing beats a home grown local British strawberry."
Which chef do you most admire?
"I haven't got a favourite chef, I like lots of chefs. As chefs, we take a bit from everyone. We inspire and invent."
What’s your career ambition?
"My ambition here is to serve great pub classic and gastro dishes. A lovely place to dine relax and be entertained."
"No idea on next trends, something weird and wonderful will present itself I'm sure. The world is a funny place when it comes to food!"
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