My letter to Mr Clive Aslet , The Times

I sent the response below to The Times, after Mr Aslets review. I am not sure if they published it. But here it is.

"Thank you so much for your kind words. Given that before 2004 I had not owned/managed a restaurant or been a chef, your accolade is warming. I am also humbled by your confidence in making such a public statement about my skills.

As for the room, etc. my blog, linked from our website, discusses this in detail. A bit harsh though, given that you stayed one night and in one room you weren't even sure you wanted a single or double and only confirmed last minute. Hence you got the last room in the house! You could have asked to see some of the other rooms too!

However, if a kindly investor wishes to bank on my potential as a “Michelin Star” Chef ;-) we could spruce the hotel rooms with swanky showers, balconies, etc., we are just an impecunious family trying to eke out a living and have few protagonists in the press - apart from Paddy Burt."