A chef's palate is born out of his childhood, and one thing all chefs have in common is a mother who can cook.

Cooking is a philosophy; it's not a recipe.

My mind might be conservative, but at heart, I was always a socialist.

Food should be simple; it shouldn't be complicated, even down to making Knorr gravy: a Knorr stock cube and water, bit of parsley at the end, little bit of olive oil. It's about making the food deliciously tasty.

I think self-discovery is the greatest achievement in life, because once you discover yourself and accept what you are, then you can fulfil your true potential and be happy.

As far as I am concerned, ambition is the most dangerous occupation in the world. I have never been ambitious, or if I have, it's only been by default.

Oliver Reed was a great man who did things his own way. He used to come into Harveys, my restaurant in Wandsworth, and sit on the floor to have a drink before going to the table.

My favourite dessert is tarte Tatin.

We all make mistakes. God knows I've made more than anyone else I know.