Marie Stevens Interview
In 1995 Marie Stevens gave up a well paid job, with a company car to follow a dream and has never looked back! Having always loved cooking and being with people, it seemed the most natural thing to do. Eight years on having invested a great deal of money, time and effort Marie can still say it's a job she loves doing. As landlord of The Burnt Gate Inn, Anslow, Burton-on-Trent, Marie has a passion for real food and knew there must be other people like her. Their pub is now double its original size, and has had to be extended to accommodate the growing number of visitors! Marie buys produce as much as possible locally or within the county of Staffordshire. Her commitment to fresh food has brought its own rewards. In both 2001 and 2002 The Burnt Gate Inn won A Taste of Staffordshire Pub Restaurant of the Year and in 2003 won the Heart of England award for Best Pub Using Local Produce. Although Marie started the business and invested everything she had, money, body & soul, she is keen to admit that this hasn't done it all on her own. The Burnt Gate Inn has a great team of people who all work hard and have fun on the way. This accounts for the great atmosphere in the pub which is clean, warm and welcoming – "a bit like someone's house" one customer recently said and it's all Marie's!
In summary, The Burnt Gate Inn is all about open fires, old beams, cushions, a good pint and great food. A bit of old England. Long may it stay that way!
What is your most memorable childhood 'food' memory?
My grandfather, who was a chef, making fritters from bread dipped in egg & milk and then coating them with sugar and spice. Mmm.
What's your favourite food or ingredient 'on your doorstep'?
Fresh strawberries from the fruit farm in the village, locally made ice cream made with Jersey milk, honeycomb and toffee, cheese from John Knox, the Staffordshire Cheese man.
What is your favourite food secret?
Now if I was to tell you that it wouldn't be a secret would it!
What food would you travel for (within the UK)?
A great seafood rice-based dish.
What is your favourite seasonal food?
King scallops.
What is your favourite local food shop?
There is a patisserie and bakery at Amerton Farm, Stoweby Chartley. I don't visit very often but when I do I feel compelled to buy because everything smells absolutely fabulous.
What is your favourite eating place?
Locally, the Old Vicarage at Branston has to be the one. But...I'm visiting Le Gavroche in London soon so this may change!
What is your favourite UK pub?
Mine! Living in a pub I tend not to have a lot of time off to visit other pubs but when I do it is usually to pubs where the licensees are friends.
What is your favourite dish or recipe?
A perfectly cooked piece of halibut or monkfish, with a good selection of vegetables cooked al dente.
Name an inspirational food person? Why?
There are two people at opposite ends of the scale that I am impressed by. Delia Smith (www.deliaonline.com) because she found a niche and inspired a generation of British cooks. She's still out there producing modern food and expanding her business empire with Canary Catering. Jamie Oliver (www.jamieoliver.com) because he has passion and vision. He has done so much to inspire young people and show them what is wonderful about cooking and producing great food. His belief in what is possible, not impossible, should motivate others to do the same.