FOOD + DRINK in THE KITCHEN WITH
DAVE KIRTON
HEAD CHEF , THE COACH , HACKLINGE , DEAL
What led to you becoming a chef ? I actually fell into working as a chef . I was 17 years old and had a baby on the way . I saw a kitchen job advertised and decided to apply for it . Here we are 22 years later - I ’ m still behind the stoves and loving it !
Where did you train ? After a few years of high street restaurants , I packed my bags and moved to London to pursue a proper career . I managed to ‘ blag ’ my way onto the Mayfair Private Members ’ circuit , working at the highly acclaimed Annabel ’ s , using some of the best ingredients a chef could ever have wished for . From there , I ’ m proud to have worked for many more notable restaurants in the city , before heading back to Kent to join the team at a Michelin-star restaurant .
Where have you worked before The Coach ? I ’ ve worked all across the board , from high street restaurants and high end Italian venues such as Harry ’ s Bar and Zucca , to Michelin-star restaurants including Reads and Apicius . That said , my real love will always lie in good Kentish pubs .
What is your signature / favourite dish ? My favourite dish is actually a pudding believe it or not ! Vanilla panna cotta with poached clementines – so simple yet , SO delicious ! DAVE KIRTON
Why Kent / The Coach Pub ? My life and family settled down in Kent , but as chefs , Kent honestly offers the most amazing homegrown produce and suppliers right on our doorstep .
Tell us about the dishes and menu you have created at The Coach ? Our menu and dishes at The Coach are , quite simply , passionate pub favourites . Slow-cooked meats , punchy gravies and seasonal veggies . Imaginative and passionate food for a memorable experience . One of my favourites is currently on our winter menu : slow cooked feather blade , smoked bacon and pearl onion jus served with horseradish mash .
What is your guilty pleasure ? I have a fair few ! But , a cheeky Big Mac with a double cheeseburger chaser is what you ’ ll see me driving along eating - with a massive smile on my face , too !
www . thecoach-hacklinge . co . uk
@ thecoachhacklinge @ beachstreetrestaurants
www . insidekent . co . uk • 87