Mark Percival is head chef at Langley Castle, Hexham. The 32 year old, who lives in Westerhope with his wife Emma, trained in classical French cuisine.
I’ve always wanted to be a chef … I can’t remember a defining moment, it’s just something I always knew I wanted to do. So I finished my last exam and went to work at The Vermont, in Newcastle.
If I wasn’t a chef … I’d have no idea what I’d do. I think I’d probably travel. I spent a year in Australia. It’s a place that’s massively influenced by Asian food, although I did try crocodile, kangaroo and emu.
A restaurant I’d love to visit would have to be … The Waterside Inn, in Bray. It’s had three Michelin stars for so many years. It’s an institution in this country. I’ve never eaten in a three-star restaurant.
I don’t have a signature dish … I change my menu as much as I can to keep things varied. I do enjoy cooking fish.
My guilty pleasure would have to be … a kebab! I love a doner kebab and at any time of the day!
My training was in … classic French but my style is quite modern. I love using local produce. We get game from the shoots at Ridley Hall, in Northumberland. We get the birds whole, I love working with them.
