Can you describe what diners can expect when visiting Sopwell House?

There’s plenty of choice when visiting Sopwell House. We have The Brasserie, with a contemporary European/British-inspired menu where we use British ingredients crafted into delicious dishes with a touch of imagination. There is also an upscale Asian sharing-plates experience restaurant called Omboo, which pays tribute to the cuisine and flavours of places along the historical “spice route”, spanning from the far east to the Southeast Asian region and the Indian sub-continent.

How do you go about creating a new menu?

We source our ingredients from across the British Isles from a network of trusted independent producers, from which we create ever-changing menus. These are always seasonal and sustainable, which is very exciting. Plates have both substance and style, inspired with the skill and passion of a team that celebrates flavour and provenance in every dish. Based on the above ethos, I change the menus based on trends and seasonality along with customer favourites. 

What inspires your flavour combinations?

A great dish is always a successful combination of salt, sweet, sour, bitter and umami. If all five basic tastes have been considered and applied with skill, the dish is a winner. Also, I experiment with spices as I’m from India, the land of exotic spices and condiments.

Which single ingredient could you not live without?

Maldon salt, black and white pepper.

You’ve worked at a variety of prestigious establishments. What has been your best piece of career advice?

Be humble, work hard and look after the environment.

What marks London as different from other cities in its approach to food?

 London for me is the best city in the world for food. We have a fantastic multi-cultural society, so when it comes to serving food, London is open to anyone and anything, making it a very special place. I have never seen so many restaurants serving food from all over the world – you name it, you get it.

What is your favourite restaurant in the world and what do you like to order?

Meze Mangal in Lewisham – simple grilled Turkish food with great flavours.

What do you like to do on a day off?

Play golf, watch cricket, walk the dog and do homework with the kids.

If you could choose anyone from today or history, who would be your ideal dinner party guest and why?

Alex Ferguson – I want to pick his brains on how to manage egos and inspire leadership.

Sopwell House, Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 2HQ; sopwellhouse.co.uk