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In the build up to The Staff Canteen Live 2015 at the Hospitality Show 2015, NEC Birmingham on January 19 – 21, we are taking a closer look at the chefs who will be joining us on stage. We dig a little deeper to find out what they are hiding under those chef whites!

Steve Love is the head chef and owner of Loves restaurant in Birmingham. The 45-year-old from Stratford-upon-Avon will be joining us at the NEC for The Staff Canteen Live. He is one of Birmingham’s most enduringly successful chefs so it is our privilege to welcome him on board.

At The Staff Canteen we want to know what makes chefs tick. We asked Steve a few questions about what he gets up to when he’s not in the kitchen:

What made you want to be a part of The Staff Canteen Live?

The Staff Canteen has supported us a lot over the years so it’s nice to give something back. Looking at the list, it’s quite an impressive line-up. I used to work with Gary Jones so it’ll be quite nice to see him again. It’s about promoting us as much as it is about promoting you guys so it ticks all boxes.

Do you expect it to be a good social occasion as well then?

Yeah it’s nice to catch up with friends and meet new people too. I’m going to have to judge the salon, so I’ll be there doing that as well. It’s nice with it being at the NEC too, meaning that we haven’t got to travel to London. Obviously more people from the Midlands will be going too so it should be good for raising awareness and making contacts.

How would you describe your menu at Loves restaurant?

It changes every month. It's seasonal depending on what we can get at the right price and what's coming through the door. The only problem with that is that we get the good prices and the good products but order ten and you might only get eight or you might get 20. It comes down to the stuff that's coming through the door.

What do you do in your spare time?

If I get some spare time it’s normally spent with the family to be fair. I like walking the dog and just spending some quality time at home really. Other than that I try to catch up with friends and play a bit of golf. Playing golf’s a bit sporadic at the moment though, it’s hard to find the time but, as and when you get chance, it’s nice to get out on the course to free your mind.

What’s one thing you could tell us that nobody else will know?

I think my wife’s better suited to answer that one!

>>> Read more in the Behind the Chef series here

What’s the last album you bought?

It’s either The Prodigy- The Fat of the Land or Nirvana – Nevermind. I’d had them both for that long and played them so often that I needed to replace them.

Chocolate or cheese?

Both.

Marco or Gordon?

Marco.

What’s your worst injury or cut in the kitchen?

I’ve taken the top of my finger off in a competition years ago. I was slicing food and ended up taking a bit of my finger with it. I put a plaster on it, finished the demo and went to A&E and the scars still there now.

If you weren’t a chef what would you be?

I’d love to be a professional motocross rider. I used to race as a kid but gave it up to go into catering. I’m trying to get a bike at the moment but it’s just finding the time. That’s one thing I’d love to do with a bit more spare time.

Steve will be joining us for The Staff Canteen Live at 12:30 on Monday, January 19. We are extremely excited to welcome one of Birmingham’s finest chefs to join us for the occasion.

By Tom Evans

The Hospitality Show takes place at the NEC Birmingham from January 19-21, 2015. Registration for the show is open now at: http://www.hospitalityshow.co.uk/sc/    

>>> Read more from The Staff Canteen Live 2015 at The Hospitality Show here