Frazer Thompson Interview & Biography
Frazer Thompson has a 20-year-long association with the drinks industry, both in Britain and overseas. More recently he returned to Britain to fulfill his entrepreneurial dream of creating a company, brand and business that he could be proud of. The world of English wine offered him such a challenge and he now runs a highly successful and award-winning company called English Wines, located in the heart of Kent. Frazer is an Epicurean by nature, and his obsession with quality local produce is reflected in the menu at The Swan at Lamberhurst, and The Bistro at his vineyard in Tenterden in Kent.
What is your most memorable childhood 'food' memory?
Beef dripping on toast watching Doctor Who on Saturday evening. Food memories are as much about who you're with and what you're doing as the food itself. I only have to smell beef cooking and I start thinking Daleks and Cybermen.
What's your favourite food or ingredient 'on your doorstep'?
I live in the Garden of England - Kent - so most things are close by. But Kent cherries and cobnuts are fabulous. But then again, so are the apples, pears, quince…
What is your favourite food secret?
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to a simple shepherds pie or cottage pie to lift it out of the ordinary.
What food would you travel for (within the UK)?
Arbroath Smokies and Craster kippers.
What is your favourite seasonal food?
Whitstable oysters on the beach in late September. I'm also first in the queue for the local asparagus when in season.
What is your favourite local food shop?
I prefer shopping at the many farmers' markets across the Weald of Kent. The money goes to the producer and so is invested back to the rural economy. It's also fresher, tastier and better for the environment. And it's not expensive - you get what you pay for!
What is your favourite eating place?
Home. Sunday lunch with the family. I do love Richard Corrigan's Lindsay House when I'm up in London and feeling wealthy!
What is your favourite UK pub?
Well it has to be The Swan at Lamberhurst. A transformed pub. It was a humourless rural boozer. It's now a really good English 'gastropub'. Oh, and it only sells English wine! Unique, friendly and a regular treat!
What is your favourite dish or recipe?
I have two. Tagliatelle with shelled broad beans, garlic, lardoons and flat parsley with shaved parmesan. And Oyster 'Surf n Turf'. Fry a rib-eye steak in butter. Remove and let it stand. Then take 6 juicy Colchester oysters fried off in the juices with some shallots and de-glaze the pan with a glass of Curious Grape Bacchus wine.
Name an inspirational food person? Why?
Boring choice perhaps, but it has to be Jamie Oliver (www.jamieoliver.com). He's done more to stimulate interest in food than any other 'chef personality' and seems to have a large dose of humility and is well grounded.