Fred Sirieix: ‘People love telling me their secrets’
First Dates star Fred Sirieix talks food, French Christmases and troublesome guests…
French-born Fred Sirieix first shot to fame four years ago, when he appeared on hit Channel 4 dating show First Dates.
These days, as well as playing Cupid at the famous First
Dates restaurant (the Paternoster Chop House in London), the charismatic maître d’ – who’s been in the restaurant business for 25 years – is also general manager at Michelinstarred London restaurant Galvin at Windows. A father-of-two [Fred is no longer with his children’s mother], the charming 45-year-old does more than check that service is running smoothly, though. As fans of the show will know, he’s the one that shows nervous singletons to their tables, offering advice if needed. Here, Fred tells us about his new book, Secret Service: Lifting The Lid On The Restaurant World, his philosophy on life, and everything in between...
Fred, so what are the secrets to great service?
Smile and say hello to people – before they smile and say
hello to you! It’s important to be on the floor and expecting your guests. Never leave a customer alone with their thoughts – the moment they start wondering why they’ve come is the moment they lose trust. You’ve got to make sure your customer’s journey starts off on the right foot.
What do you love about the restaurant world?
I think it’s the people you meet from literally every walk of life. I’m getting on now, at 45 – but I work with young people, and that keeps me young! But it’s also a challenge to do this job consistently well. Look at Alex Ferguson and Manchester United – 25 years at the top!
Do you eat out at other restaurants, or is that hard?
I do go out to enjoy myself but also to learn. I’m always a pupil, never a master.
Do you ever get rowdy people in your restaurant?
Yes, unfortunately you get idiots in every country! One time, a group smashed their plates on the floor. You have to let people know what’s acceptable and what’s not. You must diffuse a situation rather than make it explode, though.
Has First Dates changed your life?
Well, people stop me in the street all the time, for a start. They always want to take a selfie with me, which is nice. They also send me emails, and even tell me their problems.
So would you say you’re a bit of an agony aunt, too?
Ha ha… You know, when you work at a restaurant, that’s what happens. People want to know what you think, tell you their stories, their secrets. Sometimes I don’t need to say anything, I just listen. And when they finish, you can see they feel better. It’s an interesting part of the job, that connection with people.
Do you have a favourite couple from First Dates?
I always think about Frankie and Muhala from the first series. The guy was a dancer, and she was a dancer, too. They fell in love, flirting at the table.
Were you delighted about the show’s first baby?
It’s lovely, I was amazed! But then I’m amazed every time I see something special blossom between a couple.
How do you feel about getting old?
It’s about bettering oneself. We should all aim to turn into a nice bottle of vintage wine. Some people get bitter as they get older and turn into vinegar – it’s the ugliest thing. We’re responsible for ourselves. Probably my boxing sessions. I train with British welterweight champion Bradley Skeete – you’ve got to train with the best! It’s great sparring with Bradley, he’s so fast. Boxing is like good service in a restaurant – you have to stay on your toes and be ready for anything to happen.
Have you got any regrets?
No. I can say I gave it my all. If something didn’t go right, it’s because I didn’t know any better. The main thing is to learn from whatever you’ve done, and not do it again. If you do it a second time, it becomes negligence, and negligence is unforgiveable.
You have two children – are they like you?
They’re beautiful, so not so much, ha ha! No, they’re by far the best things that have ever happened to me. They are my pride and joy.
What are your Christmas and New Year plans?
I’m going to go back to Limoges in France, where I am from, because my dad is celebrating his 70th birthday this year. My brother and I have organised a massive party with the whole family, and lots of nice French food, of course. It’s going to be fun!
First Dates At Christmas, C4, Christmas Day, 9pm Secret Service: Lifting The Lid On The Restaurant World
(Hardie Grant, £16.99) is out now