Jonathan Adams, Baker & Baker UK R&D Director
How did you end up working in the bakery industry?
I fell into bakery by chance if I’m honest. My earlier days were spent working my way up the career ladder to Development Chef for a restaurant chain based in London, however, I was ready for a change of scenery, a new challenge and more sociable hours! Speedibake gave me that chance and I quickly fell in love with Bakery NPD.
Do you bake? If so, what’s your favourite baked good to make?
I am fortunate to have two children that both love to bake, and from a young age they have always enjoyed making cookies. They are so simple to make but we love trying new flavour combinations in our home kitchen.
What is your favourite place to go and eat something sweet?
Any Gelateria around Lake Garda. I adore Italian ice cream, and it probably helps being in a beautiful sunny location!
Who would you most like to meet, dead or alive?
There are quite a few chefs although I’ve been lucky enough to meet a few of my favourites (Michel Roux Snr. and Jr. top that list) but for a really interesting conversation, I’d love to have a beer with Prince William.
How would you define success?
My personal definition of success is feeling you are constantly achieving a high level within your work environment whilst also enjoying time with friends and family. Achieving this balance and happiness is the true mark of success.
What job would you like to do if not this one?
Easy… Head of development for Lego… we love Lego as a family and we are always coming up with ideas for new sets!
Describe your perfect Sunday evening…
Cooking a full roast dinner for friends and / or family, generally starting around 3pm by opening a bottle of wine and finishing around 6pm with everyone full and happy. To make it even more perfect, I don’t have to do the washing up!
Where would you like to go on holiday next and why?
I do love Italy but I would probably like to visit Japan in Spring, as I’m fascinated with their cuisine and culture.
Who did you admire when growing up? Can we change this question to who were your influences growing up?
I remember working in kitchens as a teenager and reading Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential. It was probably the first book I really enjoyed.
Delia Smith has also been a constant in my life from baking her Chocolate Yule logs as a child with my mum to seeing her at Carrow Road whilst following my football team Norwich City even to this day.
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