John Rudden
John Rudden has been the chef/owner at Grassington House in North Yorkshire for more than seven years. Born in Skipton, he is married to Sue, and between then they have four children, ranging from 12 to 28 years old.
What’s your first Yorkshire memory? Going to Harry Ramsden’s at Guiseley. We used to be taken over by my late grandfather as an occasional treat, and I was as much impressed by the pile of fish and chips as I was by the nearby funfair. It was always a great day out. I didn’t notice the “posh” chandeliers that they used to have, what mattered to me was what was on that plate.
What’s your favourite part of the county – and why? Wharfedale, which is where I was born and brought up. It is an idyllic place in which to live, and we feel very lucky to be here. Quiet, and peaceful, and with just enough visitors. I know that Skipton can be busy, but as youngsters we learned to skate down the high street and to weave in and out of the tourists.
What’s your idea of a perfect day, or a perfect weekend, out in Yorkshire? Getting up and enjoying a full English breakfast, and then walking that off in Wharfedale. It could be anywhere. We’re spoiled for choice.
Do you have a favourite walk – or view? Anywhere within sight of the Ribblehead Viaduct. The fact that it was all done by hand, with hardly any machinery, and with wooden scaffolding makes it truly remarkable. The sad part is that the churchyards around the area are full of the poignant graves of the navvies and their families who died while it was being built. The other place that makes my jaw drop, every time, is the natural beauty of Malham Cove and Malham Tarn.
Which Yorkshire sportsman, past or present, would you like to take for lunch? Geoffrey Boycott. Now here’s the admission – I know absolutely nothing about cricket. Zilch. But I really like the man, what he stands for and how he tells it straight from the shoulder.
Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, past or present, would you like to take for dinner? I am going to pick Sheffield’s Sean Bean, and for one reason only – and that is because all the women I know will be deeply envious of the meeting, and for a little while at least it should make me the centre of attention.
If you had to name your Yorkshire ‘hidden gem’, what would it be?
My interest in fresh, good food came from working in Skipton Market. As dusk fell, we would climb over the wall into Skipton Woods and it was only much later that I found out that the pungent smell was wild garlic. Today, we organise various foraging events to teach people what’s available to us, totally free, in the fields and hedgerows. Unlike my younger self, we now always ask permission!
If you could choose somewhere, or some object, from or in Yorkshire to own for a day, what would it be? Broughton Hall, near Skipton. It is the secret palace of the North, beautifully looked after by the Tempest family who have lived there for 900 years. It is Grade I listed, a Georgian Palladian mansion that just takes the breath away. I promise you that I would be very, very careful with it.
What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity? There’s a unique sense of humour, a “banter” that is truly funny, but which sometimes has an acutely observant edge to it, and then there’s the willingness to pitch in, and to help someone or to get things done.
Do you follow sport in the county, and if so, what? It’s football, but I don’t follow any particular team. I’m always pleased if I learn that Leeds are doing well, or that the one of our county sides is on a winning streak, but a season ticket for any ground in particular would be totally useless for me, because I’m always working on a Saturday afternoon.
Do you have a favourite restaurant, or pub? It would be a bit naughty to