Being assertive and somewhat really firm has to be backed up with being fair.

That's the problem. Anyone can go and buy a restaurant. I want to be at that f - ing dinner party where they say, "Hey, Bill, your food's great. You should buy yourself a restaurant." That's not right. Taking it less personally.

They say cats have nine lives. I've had 12 already and I don't know how many more I'll have.

Very few restaurants do five services a day - breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, cocktail, theatre and dinner - and because of that we can offer something for everyone.

A lot of people think that I am only in town when I'm doing the publicity circuit, but I actually come [Bread Street] regularly. I just don't publicise it.

The level of jealousy and insecurity in this industry [restaurant] is far greater than ever before.

Running started as a way of relaxing. It's the only time I have to myself. No phones or e-mails or faxes.