Chef profile: Jack Coghill, head chef, Jack 'O' Bryan's bar and kitchen

What was your best subject at school?

Art class and home Economics was probably the most exciting for me, I was always eager for practical work rather than stuck behind a table, Art was different I could get lost for hours and not get bored, just being imaginative.

 

What was your first job?

My first job was the pot wash/ kitchen porter all the best chefs start from the bottom and work their way up, something that was installed in me from a young age.

 

What do you normally have for breakfast?

I’m really easy going when it comes to breakfast, some eggs on toast and a coffee can get me started for the day for sure.

 

What do you do to relax?

Being in the kitchen and constantly being on the move, I love to just chill on the couch, watch a movie and have some family time.

 

Which is your favourite restaurant?

I would have to say hand on heart Fazenda Edinburgh. They have multiple locations in the UK, it’s a place where you can go with friends and family have a great laugh, amazing drinks, and have unlimited all you can eat great quality meats (Picanha) being the family favourite or (honey pork) mine, simple foods cooked well is always a winner for me.

 

What is your favourite drink?

Has to be Diplomático Reserva rum and coke or an Amaretto sour

 

Are there any foods/ingredients that you refuse to cook with? If so, why?

Avocado, not a great fan of the taste itself, there’s not really many ingredients I dislike though

 

What flavour combinations do you detest?

Lavender infused desserts! Not for me

 

What do you always carry with you?

A little pocket notebook, sometimes I get ideas for dishes or flavour combinations, wether it’s bite sized snacks or a new starter or dessert, just incase it slips my mind I quickly write it down 

 

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

My dad, great role model, he has worked hard all of his life and has accomplished so much being dedicated to hospitality

 

Cast away on a desert island, what luxury would you take?

A sharpie… so I can draw a face on a ball like Tom Hanks did, kept him quite occupied  

 

What irritates you most about the industry?

Rude customers and lack of respect for everyone in hospitality.

 

What’s your favourite film?

Chef 2014, an incredible cast, some of my favourite movie stars.

 

If you had more time, what would you do?

I’ve thought about this many times, if I wasn’t a chef what would I do? And to this day I can honestly say I have no idea what I would be satisfied with more than being a chef, to be a chef you have to love what you do, and to be in a kitchen it shouldn’t feel like punishment.