Head chef with taste for life in North East

Jul 5 2008 by Hannah Davies, The Journal

LEE Campbell, 32, is head chef of Starters & Puds in Shakespeare Street, Newcastle. Aberdeen-born Lee began his culinary career in the kitchen of his uncle’s hotel.

He progressed up to the Gleneagles Hotel, where he worked as commis chef. Ambition saw him heading to London, where Lee moved up the ladder to become Chef de Partie at the Lawn restaurant.

The North East of England beckoned, and this knowledgeable, passionate young chef prospered working at Blackfriars, the Vermont Hotel, Oldfields and Loch Fyne as head chef.

Lee was a finalist in NECTA’s Chef of the Year competition in 2006 to 2007.

He is married to Steph, 37, a housewife. They have three children, Connor six, Toby three and Lexi who is six weeks old.

Where do you live?

In a four-bedroom house on the edge of Low Fell, Gateshead.

How long have you lived there?

Eight years.

What’s your dream home?

A large farmhouse in the middle of the countryside surrounded by lush green fields.

How do you get around (walk, car, public transport, private jet)?

Depends what mood I’m in! I mostly cycle to work, some occasions I use public transport, but for most family occasions we use the car.

What is your favourite part of the North East?

The coastal region. Being from beside the sea originally, I always feel the pull of the coast.

What is your favourite building in the region?

It’s not a favourite building as such, but I love all of the bridges over the Tyne. The view from each one offers a different aspect of the river and city.

What is the best holiday you’ve ever had?

Last year, it was a family trip to Canada. We spent three weeks in Ontario which was blissful. Lots of family days when children were never bored or moaning, and we really liked the friendly Canadian people.

What’s the favourite thing in your home?

The bed which is usually inhabited by three young children as well as their parents.

If you could have one luxury what would it be?

A lazy boy chair so I could lounge more and the kids would have fun too.

What are you working on at the moment?

Starters & Puds is a new restaurant, so I am working on making it as best as it can possibly be. To be in at the beginning of a new concept and a new restaurant is certainly giving me the most incredible buzz.

Who or what is the love of your life?

My wife Steph and children Connor, Toby & Lexi.

Where is your favourite place in the North East?

The beach at South Shields, the kids love the sand, but when they do eventually get bored, the amusements are close by to keep them entertained.

What is your favourite shop?

Any electrical shop. If there is a new gadget or big boy’s toy I just have to have it!

What is your favourite restaurant?

Apart from Starters & Puds, I really like Jesmond Dene House for a great setting and good food.

Favourite pub?

I really don’t have one with so many kids and working shifts it’s hard to get to the pub.

Favourite meal?

Poached halibut, pomme puree, baby vegetables and tomato butter sauce.

Are you any good at cooking do you spend much time in your kitchen?

I hope so, as I probably spend 80% of my life in a kitchen.

What’s the last play or film you saw?

The Golden Compass, I was able to enjoy this film version of the books, I really enjoyed reading the whole series.

What book are you reading at the moment?

I don’t read very often, usually only if I need inspiration for something new for the restaurant!

What are you listening to on your I-pod / CD player at the moment?

Just about everything in the charts. I don’t do genres, I just do everything. I also have old classic dance tunes from my younger days.

What is your favourite TV programme?

Anything featuring Gordon Ramsay.

What are you proudest of?

The day my first child was born. My wife was brilliant – no fuss, no pain relief, then delivered a gorgeous little boy (who is the double of his gorgeous daddy!)

When and where were you happiest?

The here and now. Life is good at the moment.

I’ve a beautiful wife, three beautiful children, a great job and no real stress.

Do you have any wisdom to share?

“Always believe in yourself” and “Don’t listen to doubters”.