Lying just a few miles south of Everhot is the impressive Badminton Estate, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort.
We are very proud that the Estate has chosen an Everhot 150i for their main day to day kitchen, cooked on by the Personal Chef to the Duke and Duchess. Not only this, but the Estate itself also chose an Everhot 120+ which is used for their regular Bakery and Cookery Events and Everhot is also pleased to support the Badminton Horse Trials each year at which we exhibit our range of cookers and stoves.
We wanted to find out from the Head Chef, Alan Knott, what it’s like to cook at such a busy, splendid home.
Why did you choose an Everhot for the kitchen at Badminton House?
“We chose the Everhot for its cooking capability and how versatile it is and for its warmth in the winter (no more bobble hat needed in the kitchen!) It suited the style of the country kitchen with our copper pans.”
Why do you think the Everhot works so well for large scale entertaining?
“Our Everhot has a hot plate, simmer plate, 4 zone induction hob and 3 ovens with different temperatures plus a grill. There is plenty of room on the top of the oven as well as in the ovens to be able to cook for large numbers.”
What is the Duke and Duchess’ favourite meal for you to cook for them on the Everhot when they’re not entertaining?
“Fish is always a popular choice. Many different salads – both hot and cold with seasonal vegetables and fruit.”
Alan’s Chicken and Fennel Tray Bake is easy to recreate in your own Everhot
How does the Everhot suit your style of cooking at Badminton House?
“Using the Everhot helps me in our style of cooking – it helps with my mindset because using an Everhot is going back to a classic way of cooking. Our style is classic European, English dishes, but with a slightly modern twist. Keeping it simple but using the freshest and most seasonal ingredients I can get.”
Where does your produce come from?
“The majority of the produce comes from our own Victorian walled garden. Produce is grown all year round and the menus are planned around what seasonal produce I have available.
“Our fish is supplied direct from Brixham Fish Market, only caught using sustainable fishing methods. Our meat is from a local butchers and eggs and honey are from just two miles away.”
How do you get your inspiration for your cooking?
“My inspiration comes from going to the walled garden and chatting to the gardeners. Seeing all the wonderful fresh and varied ingredients and planning meals around that. Also from the game meat which we have on the estate and I also talk to our suppliers most days.”
What’s your go to menu for entertaining?
“Various canapes, whole poached fish or a chicken dish with seasonal vegetables. Then cake or tarte tatin with homemade ice cream or sorbets.”
Celeriac is a staple for Christmas dinner at Badminton House
Have you ever cooked for royalty and what did you make?
“Yes I have, but I can’t say anymore sorry!”
Have you ever made any mistakes and did the Duke and Duchess notice?!
“Yes! But not many. And they never notice as I always have a back up plan and a trick up my sleeve!”
When have you been most nervous about cooking at Badminton House?
“When cooking for royalty. But it’s not really nerves, more pressure. A lot of work goes into the planning and preparation so that the nerves are minimal.”
Tell us a little about your background in cookery and what brought you to Badminton House?
“I actually used to play football for a living but had to retire due to an injury. I get the same adrenaline rush and buzz in the kitchen cooking under pressure as I did playing football. I studied at a culinary college after my retirement as I have always enjoyed cooking. I qualified and had various jobs as a commis chef, working my way up the ladder. I lived in Badminton before I worked for the Duke and Duchess, the chef team there was due for retirement so I was asked if I would like to join and learn the ropes. I was then asked to step up and become head chef. I’ve been working there 5 years now and I love it!”
Tickets for Badminton Horse Trials need to be bought in advance and you canind out more on their website about both the Horse Trials and Events here.
