Martin Watson is the head chef at The Camelot Hotel (Hawkers Restaurant),
his blog series chronicles the travels and experiences from his youth leading up to now.

Hawker's Restaurant

I have been fortunate enough to work at the Camelot Hotel for the past eleven years. I remember well my interview with Paddy Naylor who asked me 'Can you cook?' My reply, 'Well, I haven't done much cooking for the past twenty eight years, but I did train as a chef', was good enough to secure the position of Head Chef at Hawkers Restaurant and I was contracted to work for the first season (March – October 1999). Having survived the first six months in a kitchen full of out-dated and partially working equipment, much like the rest of the hotel, we closed in October and the Hotel was completely refurbished and expanded.

Now in our twelfth year, I have made many friends, both staff members and hotel guests. Part of my early brief was to 'mingle with the guests' and, not being one to shy away from such a request, have spent many a long night recounting stories from my past.

My Blog Series

One of our most regular guests with whom I have spent many evenings chatting, was taken with the account of my travels through Spain. In the 1970's I hitch- hiked from Gloucestershire to Spain attempting to follow the route which one of my favourite writers, Laurie Lee, had taken some forty years earlier. My trip, as far as following the route taken by Laurie Lee must be considered a failure; however, my introduction to the more rustic Spanish cuisine was a joy. With the advent of the internet, our website and blogs, it has given me the perfect opportunity to share some of my experiences with others. In the fullness of time, I am sure the readers (if there are any) will either inspire me to continue or quit.
You vote with your click!

Happy blogging!
Martin Watson