There are not many of us who have life-changing moments televised for millions to see.
John Whaite certainly did when he won the Great British Bake-Off in 2012. At one stroke, he changed from a law student (he managed to get his degree whilst taking part in the show) to a TV personality with the potential for a career in the food and entertainment industry.
Two years on, we caught up with him at the Foodies Festival in Brighton. The sun was shining, the sea looked inviting, and John was full of enthusiasm for his first trip to the City.
A passion for baking
“I’ve always loved baking and cooking, and winning Bake-Off was a great platform for me to start a career in cooking. I really learned a lot from Mary, Paul and the rest of the team, but I knew when it was over I needed to do something to extend me, give me credibility and make sure I could make a career in the food industry. Completing a Cordon Bleu course was a lifelong ambition, and the time was right. It was hard work, but it taught me a lot.”
During his demonstrations, John talks openly about his feelings for food, and jokes that all chefs are passionate control freaks and, whatever they tell you their reason is for going into catering, it’s really because they want to be loved.
He’s also a very generous presenter, working with other chefs, drawing them out, getting them to show off their skills, and he spends time with his fans, chatting, joking and being photographed.
“A lot of people think that if they win a competition like Bake-Off you’re set for life. It certainly gave me confidence, but you have to keep working. If I didn’t enjoy what I do, this life would be very stressful, but I love it; love learning about food – and there is always something new to learn – and sharing what I’ve learned. And let’s face it, if I’ve had a hard day, I can always go home and cook up some massive dish of comfort food!”
John Whaite at Brighton
And what did he think of his first trip to Brighton?
“It’s great here. I’m openly gay and Brighton is such a welcoming place for gay people. I also love being able to see the sea as I work, even though I probably won’t go in for a swim – I’m petrified I might meet a shark – even a little tiny one is terrifying!”
As we left the Chef’s Theatre after watching John’s demonstration, a young woman behind me turned to her partner and said, “Aw, isn’t he a nice man.”
Couldn’t have put it better myself.
Where to next?
• Island Life – Isle of Wight
• Poppylands, Horsey, Norfolk
• Malga Mure – real Italian home-cooking