New year, new chef? We asked top chefs for their 2020 resolutions

Congratulations, if you're reading this, it means you've made it through the Christmas storm. There's light at the end of the tunnel.

Restaurant-goers are all festive-partied out. Now begins an austere month of savings and dieting - and for many chefs, this is the time to breathe a sigh of relief. 

With this new year, we are filled with great intentions. These might fade and falter as the months go by, but for now, let's all pretend we're going to be virtuous.

Jp McMahon, ANIAR

"This year, my resolution is to do less. Or rather to be happy doing less. We're going seasonal with our Michelin star restaurant (we won't open in winter months). Going into our 9th year, we need a better work life balance. The kids are getting older. We do 80% of our business March to October in Aniar. So now we'll run cooking school in winter months. It's a big step but it's necessary."

Andrew Pern, the Star at Harome 

"Resolution for 2020 is to say no more often and concentrate on what we do best; that’s my problem, I say yes to everything!"

Hrishikesh Desai, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

"a) To be fit and healthy

b) To promote good health, exercise and good diet habits to fellow chefs and colleagues. 

c) To try and become better in what we offer 

d) To motivate more young staff and senior chef's to participate in quality hospitality competitions

e) To ensure that we continue to be good ambassadors of our industry, guides and trade."

Josh Angus, Hide

"Well I have just had a little boy a few weeks ago Mylo, so my New Year’s resolution is to spend more time with my family. Also to get rid of my new dad body & hit the gym!"

Alan Paton, Stoke by Nayland Hotel

"1) To eat out more and travel more, didn’t do much in 2019 so already got obsession booked and really want to get to Henne Kirkeby Kro, Denmark

2) Finally lose my extra tum tyre, I hope

3) To drive the north 500 scotland route in a jazzy camper van, eat all the way round, and to do something similar in Europe as well with 3 chef mates

4) Do more pastry at work as we don’t have a pastry chef and I want a bit of time to play and get better at it

6) To find some of the elusive chef de partie that may or may not still exist!!!!

7) Eat more pork :)"

Adam Byatt, Trinity restaurant

"To be honest I have never done the whole resolution thing, I don’t like setting myself up to fail."

"If I want to stop something I generally do, in most cases I don’t. My role is about continued progression and betterment of our core product, our team and our guest experience – that daily pressure is quite enough thanks... Although I would like to go on holiday more..."

Guillaume Gillan, Bōkan 37

"I’m not a big believer in resolving to give things up so my main resolution for 2020 will be to improve the work that we do every day at the restaurant. I want to elevate Bōkan and my team even further with the exciting projects that we have coming up. Our main aim is to focus on the guests, creating the best possible experience based on the food, and the beautiful views of the London skyline."

Paul Kitching, 21212 Restaurant

"To regain our lost Michelin star. For after 24 years in my own starred restaurant, to start 2020 being devoid of such an honour is a heart-breaking situation. However, next year our one and only goal is to strive and once again, come October 2020, welcome back our missing jewel."

Bruce Poole, Chez Bruce 

".... Nah to resolutions."

"Tried giving up wine for January a few years ago. Nearly killed me."

Stu Deeley - New restaurant TBA

“Swear less, drink more… Nah, try and stay focused on the business and try and spend more time with the family is probably a big one. And a good one if the missus is [reading] as well!”

Gary Robinson, The Balmoral 

"Personally, I'm going to have a bash at eating delicious Scottish seaweed and drinking milk with my son. From a professional point of view, I hope that in the new year the industry continues to recognise great talent and does whatever it can to hold onto them."

What's your 2020 resolution? Leave a comment below and let us know!