MY LIFE IN TEN

Chef Skye Gyngell reveals what inspires her

1. I’ve always been drawn to what women do in the kitchen and their attitude to feeding people, so among my heroes is Alice Waters for her sustainable food ethos, working with producers and serving seasonal food in her restaurant, Chez Panisse in California.

2. An ingredient I can’t do without is Italian extra virgin olive oil from Tuscany or Liguria.

3. My small luxury is booking a pedicure. I’m working on my feet all the time so I think they deserve some civility!

4. Preparation is my rule in the kitchen. Get all the ingredients ready before you begin to cook; it’s amazing how much this helps in approaching the task with pleasure.

5. Among a wealth of young talent, I admire chef James Henry, whose restaurant, Le Doyenné in Saint-vrain, Île-de-france, serves classic dishes done in his own way.

6. I love my stone pestle and mortar. I’ve had it for 25 years and do everything in it, from grinding spices to making pesto. The secret is the rough texture of the stone.

7. My favourite shop is Summerill & Bishop, where I go for inspiration on laying tables.

8. A building I’d love to own is Tre-contrade villa in the middle of a lemon grove in Sicily.

9. The garden that inspires me is Jane Scotter’s organic Fern Verrow in Herefordshire. She grows wonderful vegetables and flowers and supplies both to my restaurant, Spring.

10. A book I have on my bedside table to dip into is An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler for her wise thoughts on cooking, respect for ingredients and entertaining. &