Describe an average day at work...
 Every day I check that menus are up to date and produce is fresh and exciting. Encouraging staff to always achieve 100 per cent and to endeavour to ensure the customers truly feel they have experienced a combination of mouth watering and sumptuous dishes and excellent customer service. Tell us about City Café The contemporary hotel, City Inn, is home to the award-winning City Café and not your typical hotel restaurant. The modern European cuisine served across seasonal menus together with the extensive wine list are always a seductive experience. This Valentines Day you can enjoy a seven-course menu including dishes such as fillet of lamb, aubergine and red pepper terrine, served with a saffron mayonnaise and strawberry parfait with Champagne jelly to tantalise everyones taste buds. Describe the scene in Birmingham to someone who has never been here? The once stereotypical notion of Birmingham now seems just a distant memory. The city now offers not only fantastic nightlife, fine arts and beautiful parks but is also a first class cosmopolitan shopping destination. Birmingham can also pride itself on the gourmet restaurants that can confidently put us on the map along side cities such as London. When you are off duty where do you hang out? When I am off duty my first preference would be to hang out at home. The restaurant industry takes such a big chunk of my life I like to spend time with my young sons playing football or golf. Best place for a meal? I believe in promoting the city of Birmingham so apart from City Café my next choice would be Jessicas in Edgbaston. The head chef, Glynn Purnell is a local boy who also enjoys promoting the city. Purnell worked with Claude Bosi from Hibiscus in Ludlow and Bosis inspiration obviously shines through, a truly wonderful refreshing quality for Birmingham. Favourite bar? Summerrow is becoming more appealing especially with the very exciting MechuBar - a must this summer. Where do you grab a coffee or lunch? Having such a busy work schedule as a head chef I do like to take some time out in the afternoon for a coffee or a bite to eat. I enjoy Yo! Sushi in Selfridges, enabling you to watch the bustling world go by. If a quick five minute recuperation is needed then Costa Coffee in Brindleyplace is ideal. Best place for a boogie? I would consider Bambu as a good place to boogie. It is in a great location as you can visit bars in the Arcardian Centre such as Sobar before going across the road to hear some fabulous DJs. Favourite Birmingham landmark? My personal favourite would be Birmingham Childrens Hospital. This hospital provides exceptional care and is a leading institute for some of the finest research studies for human wellbeing. Best place to get away from it all? Sometimes with such a demanding job and a young family it is essential to escape to recharge. The De Vere Belfry in Wishaw is ideal with beautiful surroundings and is renowned for the Ryder Cup so where better to have a round of golf. City Café, City Inn Birmingham, 1 Brunswick Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham. Tel: 0121 633 6300 www.citycafe.co.uk | 
