ANTONY Michaelides is managing director of The Assembly Rooms in Newcastle.

Raised in Newcastle, his family moved to the North East from Cyprus in the mid 1960s. He started his working life at 20 under the watchful gaze of his father Homer and uncle Michael, at what was then known as The Old Assembly Rooms.

Antony soon made his mark on the casino, conference and banquet industry. His natural flair for hospitality soon saw him rise through the ranks and, within seven years, he was running the popular destination outright. Antony, 46, lives with his wife, Fiona on the outskirts of Newcastle.

What’s your first memory?

My first clear memory is riding my bike. My mother was running alongside me and I was smiling, blissfully unaware that she had taken my stabilisers off. I love that memory especially because I didn’t fall off.

What were you like as a child?

Lovely … well, sometimes. I did have a mischievous streak though. I once put nails under my mum’s car so when she reversed it punctured her tyres. I can’t believe I am divulging this. It’s rather embarrassing looking back now.

What childhood games did you play?

Having three sisters meant the games I played weren’t exactly rough and tumble. Let’s just say I was an expert at hopscotch and excellent at skipping!

What music did you like and what was the first record you bought?

My first record was Two Little Boys by Rolf Harris. But my favourite music, which was a bit before my time, was rock ’n’ roll. Elvis was my idol.

Did you have a family pet?

Yes we had three, one of which had a tragic and very sad ending. There was Patch the dog, Suzy the cat and Twitch the rabbit. Unfortunately Patch and Twitch had a run-in … and that was the end of Twitch!

Were your school days the best days of your life?

I wouldn’t say that. A bit of a mixture really. I loved junior school, hated middle school and then discovered “fun” in sixth form. Looking back, I think I probably enjoyed sixth form a bit more than I should have done.

Were you ever bullied?

A little in my first year. My dad gave me some quiet advice about how to deal with them. The bullies soon left me alone.

What were your favourite TV programmes?

Double Deckers and Mr Benn. Do you know there were approximately 13 Mr Benn’s ever made? It felt like there were hundreds of them.

What did you want to do when you grew up?

From the age of four or five I dreamed of nothing other than following in my dad’s footsteps. Walking with my hands behind my back, just as he did, asking guests how they were enjoying their day or evening. No other career entered my mind, although my father always advised me to be an optician.

How did you spend your weekends?

With three sisters and a very large extended family, our household was extremely busy, but at weekends I enjoyed taking some time out. I used to spend time selling stick insects on the side of the road with my best friend. Bizarre looking back now. Who would want to buy a stick insect? Great times though.

Do you remember your first kiss?

Very well. Doesn’t everyone? But looking back it probably was very forgettable.

Who was your first love?

Sticky the stick insect!

What was the most important thing in the world to you?

My family. And a close second would have been my silver spaceman’s outfit with fish-bowl helmet. I got that for Christmas when I was five, not long after the moon landing. I would wear it anywhere and everywhere. My mum struggled to prise it off me.

What did you wear then, that you would never wear now?

My waistline is not what it once was, so my old skinny jeans of my teens definitely won’t be re-appearing.

How have you changed from your teenage self?

I don’t think I have changed that much. I guess I just have a few more grey hairs, an inch or two more round the waist and I am perhaps a little more worldly-wise.

Where did you go on holiday?

Cyprus, which is where my dad is from. We used to spend six long and very hot weeks with the extended family. We would be joined by our aunties, uncles and cousins. It was always pretty chaotic but great fun. These are some of my fondest memories.

Would the young you be pleased with the adult you?

I’d like to think so, yes. I have achieved a lot of my ambitions, including taking over the running of The Assembly Rooms. I hope my father is proud.

That’s a very important thing to me.

If you could go back in time what would tell your 15-year-old self?

Go to the gym more often!