This chef at a popular Isle of Wight pub reveals his all-time favourite dish and the ingredients he always has on hand.
Llyod Slee, acting head chef of The Hare and Hounds near Robin Hill, sat down with us to talk about his career as a chef, and favourite places to eat on the Island.
What was the first meal you cooked for someone else?
The first meal I remember cooking was a homemade lasagne, which turned out to be a real crowd pleaser and sparked my love of cooking.
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What is your proudest moment to date?
I’m incredibly proud of my professional career, and in my current role as acting head chef I am passionate about serving top quality experiences for our customers, whether they’re visiting for a special occasion or a quick bite to eat.
Having said this, my proudest life achievement to date has to be when I became a father, as my family is hugely important to me.
What is your favourite dish currently on your menu?
My favourite dish at the Hare and Hounds is our lamb shank, which is slow cooked until it’s perfectly tender, and served with a deliciously rich mint gravy and mixed vegetables.
Guests can choose to have this with either mashed potato or chips. My personal preference is to enjoy it with a buttery mash.
Where is your favourite place to eat on the Isle of Wight?
If I’m not enjoying a meal out at the Hare and Hounds, then I love to visit my local curry house as a weekend treat.
What is your favourite dish to cook at home?
It can be hard to find meals that the whole family enjoys, but in my house our all-time favourite dish is a classic salmon bake, with a mix of spices added to the salmon before you put it in the oven to roast.
It’s so simple to make but it always looks fantastic, especially when served with seasonal vegetables.
What key ingredient is always on hand for you?
Must-have ingredients in my kitchen are rosemary sea salt and parsley oil, as they brilliantly elevate the flavours in any dish.
What is your culinary guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is a simple tortellini with butter, which is the perfect meal to make after work or when I’m in a hurry.
What is your favourite Island ingredient or delicacy to use?
I love to incorporate fresh, local produce into my dishes, and I am a regular customer of The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight, which is a family-run business with a fantastic variety of garlic-infused products.
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