My Yorkshire: Craig Atchinson, head chef at The Grand Hotel & Spa, York

Craig Atchinson is head chef at The Grand Hotel & Spa, York whose 3 AA Rosette restaurant Hudson’s reopens on August 22
 
What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
Dalby forest is my ultimate haven. I have a love for the outdoors and cycling so having a location like Dalby so close to my doorstep is very convenient. Within an hour you can literally feel you are away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle of everyday life. Dalby forest is also a great location for camping which is superb for short breaks with the family.
 
What is still on your “to do” list in the region?
Brimham Rocks.  I’ve yet to see the balancing rock formations on Brimham Moor.
 
What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had?
It was when Marcus Waring was running Petrus at the Berkeley before it became his flagship restaurant. It was my first taste of a 2 Michelin starred restaurant and everything was just immaculate. The food was amazing but the level of service was something I had never encountered before. The attention to detail was off the scale and it’s a meal I will never forget.
 
What is your most Yorkshire trait?
It has to be Yorkshire Tea. There is no better cuppa on this planet. Also as an adopted Yorkshireman “Eh up” is the greeting of choice these days.
 
Favourite piece of trivia about the region.
Ripon is Britain’s oldest city and at 9 o’clock every night a ‘wakeman’ blows a horn at the obelisk in the middle of the Market Square to set the watch. Apparently, this continues a tradition that dates back 1,100 years and is one of the oldest ceremonies still performed in England.

What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
A bit obvious perhaps, but being a chef, I’d have to say the Humble Yorkshire Puddin (no g).
 
First experience of Yorkshire (for non-Yorkies)
York.  And I’m still working here.  York is an amazing city: the cathedral, the best racecourse in Britain, the largest railway museum in the world, the list goes on.
 
Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
The weather!

What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
I’d have to say Isle of Wight blue cheese.  I spent two and a half years there and it’s one of the best cheeses in the world.
 
What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
I’ve yet to find it.

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