Heston

Big Chef Takes On Little Chef Heston spills the beans at Little Chef

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Date Published:
15/10/2007

The master of molecular gastronomy is swapping haute cuisine for motorway munchables in an attempt to help one of the nation's most iconic eateries in Big Chef Takes on Little Chef. Charlie Cottrell travelled to the flagship restaurant at Popham to meet up with Heston, the night before his new menu hit the kitchens

What were your first impressions of the Little Chef kitchen?

When I first came here there were no pots and pans. It made sense with the way they were cooking, with a griddle system, but you can't go forward with that.

Should we expect a Fat Duck-style transformation along the country's roads?

Not quite. It's Little Chef, not Little Heston. It's not about alienating Little Chef fans and customers. I can hear people saying, 'He's not going to make porridge out of snails is he?' but I do actually cook other things!

Why do you think Little Chef ran into problems?

There's been a big increase in roadside cafes and restaurants and they didn't respond well to the competition. Instead of adapting and returning to core values, they cut back on ingredient quality. Now we're taking it back to the basics. The sausage recipe has been developed from scratch, the recipes have been developed from scratch and it's all been done with excitement.

What else is different about the new menu?

If you're a hardened Little Chef fan you'll still recognise things on the menu.

This project was about investing more money in ingredients and getting more British ingredients on the menu. There are little changes like having char-grilled steak; the hamburgers come from down the road.

Will every restaurant have its own local menu?

I originally wanted that but then I decided having a British menu was OK. All the ingredients we're using here are British, except the tomatoes: it's too late in the year for that. You can't do it across the board but if we aim for a target of something like 68 per cent British then we've achieved something. Everything is sustainable too.

Can I still get the Olympic Breakfast?

Breakfast is a big deal for Little Chef fans. We've 'caressed' the breakfasts. I had to make some bold moves. We've taken off the fried bread and hash browns and instead the sausages have more meat, the eggs are free range and you get more bacon.

Is the food more expensive?

No, that was really important. Take the steak, for example; it's good quality steak selling for £12 - but good quality steak hopefully means more customers buy it and ultimately more money in the till.

The key thing is, we're only doing this at one site so far. We need to show that people like this menu so turnover increases. The profit percentage might go down but at the end of the week there's more money in the till.

Heston's talking toilets

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  1. hi,I HAVE THIS MONTH HAD TO USE THE LITTLE CHEF ,RESTAURANTS, ONLY TO BE HUGELY DISSAPPOINTED, FIRSTLY, MY FIRST TWO CHOICES WRE UNAVAILABLE AND MY THIRD CHOICE, WAS DISSAPPOINTINGLY SMALL,MY COFFEE ,BLACK WAS LIKE LUKE WARM DISH WATER, THAT WAS AT THE BALDOCK BRANCH,2ND AT SUTTERTON BRANCH, WHICH WAS VERY EXPENSIVE FOR 2 COFFEES, 1 TEA, 2 PORTIONS OF CHIPS AND A SOUP.
    Posted by andrea edwards on 28/10/2009 23:34:46
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  2. I understand this will sound incredibility geeky but oh well, it's the Internet. Heston drives a BMW M5- no big deal, but i noticed during the duration of this program the interior of the BMW in question would change colour? Rather odd, one minute a BMW with a sandy colour interior the next with a black interior? I don't quite understand. Very odd.
    Posted by Yasmin on 01/07/2009 15:20:21
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  3. Iwas thinking the same thing. Will he return?
    Posted by oliver on 30/04/2009 23:34:28
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  4. The last program ends "Heston will return in three months". Whatever happened to that?
    Posted by Tartanleader on 15/04/2009 14:32:06
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  5. Saw the programme of 'Big Chef takes on Little chef' and took the curiousity to visit the Popham restaurant along with the wife and two boys (aged 5 and 9). We only live at least half an hour near the area and once we first visited there one Sunday lunchtime it was packed! We eventually returned one weekday evening for a meal and it was an experience my family enjoyed! My sons really liked the mussels served in a posh iron pot, and tucked in a meal of ox cheeks which they throughly enjoyed! The bill was very reasonable for a good meal and the prices were good for a meal and quality was excellent - a light year from where it used to be! Pay attention Mr Pegler - I will be looking forward to our next visit with great anticipation!
    Posted by J Cheung on 08/02/2009 16:12:30
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  6. Heston...I want you to give me...(wait for it)...a taste explosion! Best bit in the entire show, if only Mr Blue Sky thinking's entertainment value translated into pounds sterling Little Chef would never be in trouble in the first place!
    Posted by MrBlueSkies on 01/02/2009 17:56:42
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  7. Have just watched your fabulous programme about Little Chef on sky plus back to back. I have not been to one in twenty years but now can't wait until the new menu has been rolled out. My kids have asked when can they go to a Little Chef - I would never take them in one. People will pay a bit more for quality food. I think you did a great job. I though that Ian bloke seemed well shifty and I really thought you were going to throw in the towel - well done for sticking with it. I love you and think you're great.
    Posted by Heston on 31/01/2009 21:45:01
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  8. We have been enjoying watching Big Chef Little Chef. We are hoping that Heston will win and prove quality is what people want not junk food. We as a family would use Little Chef if the quality was better but as it is very poor we only use it as necessity. We would be prepared to pay more for better quality food.
    Posted by Mrs Julie MacLeod on 29/01/2009 09:56:46
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  9. i thought heston did a great job but sadly i do not trust the bosses at little chef as i felt they were being totally unfair to heston.
    Posted by julie ford on 28/01/2009 09:05:43
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  10. Has that fantastic team of revitalised staff gone on to train the rest of the Little Chef places? Hope they have When does the 3 months end - we won't be coming past Popham until the last weekend in Feb and don't want to miss it
    Posted by Jenny on 23/01/2009 16:53:00
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  11. Hestons' new menu is scrumptious, our famuily of four plus Granny Beth tasted it on 20th December at Popham. We really liked the Chocolate fondue Olympic Breakfast, I had the pancake with fruity sauce on the side, Yummy!!
    Posted by Louise Scantlebury on 22/01/2009 21:36:07
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  12. Have just visited Popham at lunchtime, busy when we got there and by the time we left there was a 30 minute wait for a table!!!! Yes the manager and staff are still there. Even had three regional managers helping out as so busy. The decor is great, clean and bright. The burgers were tasty and the portions plenty. The chips were actually hot - great. We didn't have room for the Jubilee pancakes. The coffee tasted like coffee. A visit to the toilets is a must - music, aromas and cooking tips on the tiles. The people next to us had the breakfast and said it was fantastic. And all the food going out looked appetising and made you want to go back to try something else. The quality of the food is much better but about the same price. We live within a reasonable distance and will use it again not just on the way somewhere. However if it does get rolled out then would be more inclined to visit a Little Chef when travelling than now, as fed up with paying for rubbish food at huge prices in the Service Stations just because it is all you can get. Last time I visited LC there was no one in and I sent the Jubilee pancakes back as there were no cherries in it, just sauce!!!! So WELL DONE Heston, Popham keep it up, and PLEASE roll it out.
    Posted by Josie on 22/01/2009 17:47:43
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  13. What a great start to the programmes on the Great British Food fight series and my admiration for Heston just increases.He is a genuinely nice guy with no airs and graces and a really cares about what he does .I really thought he was up against it with Mr Blue Sky as everyone is calling him and totally agree with all the other comments - Makes you wonder how he survives with such limited knowledge of his company ??? . After the first night I called at Knutsford Little Chef to check out the menu changes and was utterly disappointed with what I had .The food was bland lacked any flavour and is in desperate need of a make over which is why I really want Hestons menu to succeed . I now understand after watching the other episodes the menu hasn't been rolled out to all Little Chefs yet but heres 100% hoping that it does - It could then be an absolute gold mine and surely a much healthier option especially on the breakfast if the fatty deep fried bread and deep fried hash browns are off it - that has to be good - I look forward to visiting Little Chef but only if the menu DOES change otherwise I'm not going back ...
    Posted by Nicola Wood on 22/01/2009 17:22:01
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  14. Hi its max agin I forgot when will you be back at popuon to have a look becuse I would love to see you.
    Posted by max mandeville on 22/01/2009 17:07:09
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  15. Great series, how far back in 2008 was it made? It's interesting to look at Little Chef's website and on the vacancies page see that a manager, assistant manager and team leader are required at Popham! Has Michael and his team had enough of Heston's menu or had enough of Mr Blue Sky? A great shame with all thise years of service>
    Posted by Sally Cook on 22/01/2009 13:17:13
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  16. As a child traveling from London to Scotland on a regular basis, the treat of the journey was to stop at a Little Chef...then it we stopped stopping due to the poor service and quality of the food. I still travel to Scotland on a regular basis, but never stop at a Little Chef and I prefer to take a flask of coffee and a packed lunch for the children. Heston has done a fantastic menu, trained the staff well what a shame the cheif ex appears to have no respect for Heston or his own emplyees... Will I use a Little Chef ever again, only perhaps if Hestons ideas/menu is rolled out and I dont think it will be.....? The Fat Duck...I will be saving up my NHS wages to make a visit.
    Posted by A1 on 22/01/2009 10:24:46
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  17. Heston Blumenthal is amazing. After watching the series, i have to say i was shocked on the amount of disrespect Ian Pegler has for heston. As far as the we are concerned, Heston didn't have to do this project, but he did. One thing that i have to point out is on last nights show, Ian Pegler shocked me after asking what some dishes were. Now, being the CE of Little Chef you would expect he knows what Chilli and fish pie is! Theres a reason why Heston Blumenthal is one of the best Chefs in the world and is famous world wide. So personally i think Ian Pegler should have a little think on the comments he made as no one knew him till the show began.
    Posted by Maria on 22/01/2009 09:47:02
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  18. Having watched last nights program, I was shocked to see that the CE of Little Chef and it's 180 restaurants cannot even identify a fish pie or a dish of chilli con carne with rice when he sees them and had to ask what they were before going on to critise - again! Heston Blumenthal did not achieve his position as one of the countries best & most innovative, foward thinking chefs by bawling things like 'Bluesky Thinking' & 'The prawns are on board! Lets run them up the flagpole & see if they fly, people!' across his kitchens. He got there through hard work and pure graft. I think it should be noted that any improvements, steps foward or future successes Little Chef achieve from this excersise are ENTIRELY AND ONLY down to the dedication and hard work of Heston Blumenthal, his staff, and the fabulous employees at the Popham Little Chef. The obstuctive Ian Pegler and his mute 'team' whilst enjoying the days out & the food they gobbled up, had nothing to do with it from what I can see. I hope we get to see the end result when Heston goes back in 3 months time and wish all the hard working staff the very best.
    Posted by Marie on 22/01/2009 08:56:50
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  19. HI,ive just finished watching the show and as a fan of heston i thoght he may not get there with such a negative support from mr blue sky!it came across how dedecated heston is to see his vision work and i reckon the new look LC looks fantastic.Iespecialy like the refrence to mr said blue sky,and the menu looks fantastic,as i live in guernsey [channel islands]it will be a little harder for me to sample the food but we are planning a trip to see relatives in the summer with my wife and two boys and im sure the drive will be exciting waiting to [hopfully]come across a few new look LC.Well done hesto and your team i reckon you have just sealed LC fait for another fifty years.
    Posted by Chris souplet on 22/01/2009 08:28:56
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  20. I enjoyed the show immensely.I still do not know why you got involved. It is a completely different world from the one you are used to.There is a comparison to my lifestyle as a musician.We used to try to educate the punters to appreciating good music. This did not work and we reverted to playing what thay wanted to hear.Happy days we got paid they were happy and the promoter was happy.I like what you done but think they will revert back to the old ways.
    Posted by Tony on 22/01/2009 01:12:55
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  21. Heston has just re-enforced his reputation at being a world class chef, and showing a huge skill set at his adaptability in being able to cater superbly for the mass market, as well as his own restaraunt's expensive cuisine. The man's persistence and high standards is remarkable, and the sign of a genuinely successful business man. I just loved his wimsy at creating his own 'blue sky' in the trial Little Chef. I hope when its rolled out company wide, they keep the ceiling!
    Posted by StephenM on 21/01/2009 23:03:49
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  22. I've really enjoyed the show - never mind the planned menu changes, it's been an insight into personalities, management and potential. The revamped Popham Little Chef where I have been several times as a half way point travelling south west looks amazing and a far more appealing place to stop for sustenance of superior quality. I agree with previous comments that there appeared to be little or no market research really undertaken in this whole "business plan". I didn't think The CE of Little Chef had really thought it through and I did have my doubts about his motives and Heston's expectations. The Little Chef senior management team personified why the company is struggling and why did so many of them need to turn up at Bray for the meetings/tastings? Didn't they have any other more important commitments? It came across as a company jolly, particularly as it's so far away from Head Office. Anway, I don't know when this was filmed and I note that Popham restaurant managers are moving on so it begs the question - has it been successful? Have they rolled the refurbishment and menu into other branches? Publicity stunt or not, the LIttle Chef website offers little or no information for those of us curious to know where we can try it out.
    Posted by Suz on 21/01/2009 22:54:58
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  23. After reading a review, we visited Popham last Sunday specifically for lunch, with our two small children. It was fab - delicious food, good value, helpful staff and refreshingly new decor. Hadn't been for 25 years. Heston has done a fantastic job, as expected. Now having watched the series, we realise what a complete dedicated professional Heston is, a man of manners in addition to his superb culinary abilities. He was great with the little chef team, and managed a CE (who appeared pompous and shallow with little to add after having the brainwave to ask Heston to help in the first place) with supreme patience. If Hestons's standards are maintained I think the new Little Chef will be a success as quality food will always win over. Hurry up and roll it out Little Chef as the word is spreading.
    Posted by Alex&George on 21/01/2009 22:47:49
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  24. You say the food doe's not cost more? that may be so but the portions are smaller, yes the sausage is nicer, the bacon is measly in size, and the portion of beans has gone down. also what is a british breakfast without fried bread. I have been there twice since it re-opened and the service was slow once with the manager taking the order to the wrong table.
    Posted by Keith Leybourne on 21/01/2009 22:37:46
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  25. Thoroughly enjoyed watching Heston's numerous battles to revitalise 'Little Chef'.He is a phenomenal chef with fantastic drive and personality, and the transformation in the attitudes of the staff, as well as the food, was delightful to witness.I look forward to finding out the results of the 3 month trial! I have always been a huge admirer of Heston's creativity, and after watching this series, I am now more determined than ever, to pay a visit to 'The Fat Duck'. Heston comes across as such a genuinely nice guy, and it would be a privilege to eat in his restaurant. Time to start saving!!
    Posted by Lorraine Steel on 21/01/2009 22:27:35
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  26. The end result looked appealing and would tempt me to try out the food when passing. The upper management of Little Chef seem typical of British management, trying to achieve decent margins while ignoring the fact that there are no 'bums on seats' because the quality is non-existent (and 'Blue-sky' is a term that makes me gag!). Too many BMW shots (did they sponsor??) but the Bond soundtrack added some sophistication. You only have to visit 'fast food' motorway eateries in France and Italy to realsie we are still way off the pace. Good luck Heston
    Posted by Sidney C on 21/01/2009 22:26:25
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  27. These comments are a great read. All agree that Pegler is rubbish. The nation was rolling around at his blue sky thinking-the only thing everyone watching's been thinking is an imbecile could do the job better. Like everyone else-hats off to Heston. good TV. Slightly gutted that I live only 5 minutes from Popham. I can hardly justifying stopping there on my journey having just left the house.
    Posted by derek on 21/01/2009 22:21:09
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  28. I believe Heston cannot save little chef restaurants for the simple reason he does not know anything about cooking, he should go back to cookery school and study the basics of cooking.If Gordon Ramsay was sent to do that job the menu situation would have been sorted within 1 day!The solution to the Little Chef problems are a change of furnitures and equipments a little higher quality products used in food preparation and slightly better trained cooks ,it's not rocket science.Customers of little chef restaurants, want tasty ,generous simple and nourishing food,never mind the fancy bit of smoked salmon on the eggs just cook the eggs that's all its required.The menu itself isn't bad it shouldn't turn into some fancy overpriced and nouvelle cuisine restaurant menu.So Ian should put his money into what I mentionned above and not into a wannabe chef/businessman like Heston.By the way don't give me that snails-porridge pretentious dish anytime,I'm French I love snails but this is a weird and ridiculous way to cook them and if Heston is popular and rich based on that type of cooking then his money and fame are not deserved.Ian save your money ant time take your pennies back from Heston's pocket and kick him out ;anyone with a bit of common sense would see the solution to your problem. Carole
    Posted by Carole on 21/01/2009 21:23:37
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  29. What an idiot the new CEO has come across as. Thankfully the restaurant Managers don't follow by example!!! I've visited lots of Chef's over the last few years. There's a lot of managers running these restaurants who do actually care!! and you can tell they do...I'm sure you already know lots have not had a payrise for some 3 or 4 years!!! Come on Mr "blueSky", put your hand in your pocket and reward your hard working restaurant mangers who you did say "i love you" too. I'm sure this "media stunt?" will pay you highly.
    Posted by MiffedPerson on 21/01/2009 20:47:53
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  30. I feel sorry for Heston, the MD of Little Chef is a complete idiot.It's deceitful to get ideas and then pass them off as their own.It's obvious they are only interested in the publicity. I cringed listening to the MD using sayings like "blue sky " thinking etc. The first program when her tasted food at the Fat Duck he critisised to make himself look good. He couldn't run one Little Chef let alone the company. The manager at Popham is 2 faced slagging off behind Heston's back then agreeing with him to his face. It's clear he doesn't want change and is in a time warp. The staff follow his example. Hats off to Heston for remaining professional, he has taken peoples comments on board and changed his own ideas and compromised. Excellent TV, I've enjoyed the series immensely. I hope the MD is fired for being an overpaid pratt, I have met so many people like him during my career they always seem to survive using Bull****. He should at least be honest with everybody and admit he's only in it for the TV time. He has no experience and yet thinks he can tell a Michelin star chef he's not happy with his input. Everytime he's been put on the spot he wants the cameras switched off. Episode 3 tonight can't wait!!!
    Posted by Robert Rees on 21/01/2009 17:24:42
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  31. It beggars belief how Heston has put up with Ian Pegler at all. He comes across as a thoroughly deceitful, opportunistic, downright rude man who specialises in avoidance techniques whilst performing an impression of a stunned mullet and who's antics have probably damaged what was left of the Little Chef reputation. If I were one of the owners of Little Chef, I'd give Ian Pegler his P45 and sharpish for bringing the name of the company into disrepute. Not only does he indulge in pointlessly idiotic management-blurb to cover the fact that he doesn't seem to know what the heck he's supposed to be doing but when asked a perfectly reasonable question he falls silent, blatently hangs up on Heston & then runs away & hides while he has a think about how to get out of it. Is this recommended management practice at Little Chef? If he can't even 'manage' a simple phone call why is CE of a chain of restaurants? All praise for Heston though, for persevering under the circumstances...no one else would. It's testament to his comittment and to his kind nature. If Little Chef want 'blue-sky thinking' perhaps they should 'blue-sky think' their way to getting in a radically different Chief Executive before this one does any more damage.
    Posted by Araminta on 21/01/2009 13:46:46
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  32. Total support for Heston, calm, mature, listening and honest. This is the total opposite to Little Chef Ian, who amazingly did not even give a brief to the man he hired to do the job. Where does that ever happen?!! You want a job done, you give a brief. I cannot believe how he is at the top. There also appears to be a negative chip on the shoulder response to Heston and this when they have hired him!!!! Credit to staff who did praise him in the end. Ian's approach has seriously put me off even trying this new change at Little Chef, don't want to line his pockets, but then again do want to support staff and Heston!
    Posted by kate on 21/01/2009 13:14:20
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  33. I think that heston is doing a brilliant job in changing the little chef menu, it does need a little change because its like a greasy motorway cafe, the change in the menu what the public want looks great and it would influence me to return to the little chef again.
    Posted by smell on 21/01/2009 09:59:24
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  34. No wonder the Little Chef got into trouble in the first place if this Chief Executive was the person they brought in to sort the mess out, what an idiot. Imagine what the last people running the company were like, it sends shudders. Anyway good luck to Heston as many other people would have walked.
    Posted by Ian Fisher on 21/01/2009 01:44:55
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  35. The program shows classic case of looking for "blue sky" solutions before you have defined precisely what the real problem is. e.g. Lack of customers is not the problem. It is only a symptom. Heston did the same thing -- dreaming up new dishes before finding out what had really gone wrong over the years. So have they identified the real problem is yet? I stopped going there 20 years ago because the coffee was poor and luke warm and the Danish pastries were sealed in plastic bags. i.e. rubbish food. Pushing the problem deeper -- why was the food so poor? Why? Why? Why?
    Posted by JT on 20/01/2009 23:32:23
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  36. After watching the programs, i am disgusted at Little Chef's Directors for their arrogance and utter rudeness in a situation where they had asked for help. With a business myself and often on the road/long distance, using roadside cafe/snack bars are a regular occurrence. One place i wont stop is Little chef, due to the grease on the plate,quality of the meals, and cost and the Coffee taste's like its re-used coffee waste. I can remember a time when Little chef, was know for a hardy British Breakfast for a reasonable price, but that was long ago, now its called LITTLE THEIF
    Posted by Mrs.S.Ewing on 20/01/2009 23:28:29
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  37. This is compulsive viewing and provides a wonderful illustration of the challenges of trying to transform any large organisation. Should be part of every business school curriculum. As for eating at a Little Chef (once only about 25 years ago and the memory of the black pudding still makes me gag).
    Posted by Mary M on 20/01/2009 23:22:36
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  38. What I have seen so far is exploitation of Heston, I would like to say that I would have lost it long ago, and take my hat off to him for remaining calm and sticking with it, after all it's as he says, it's his name on the block. I can't believe the MD hasn't taken his customers comments on board, and then almost blows him out! Annoying and arrogant man! His business is in decline so he gets Heston in, under false pretenses, from what I have seen, and maybe the people that work in those cafe's should take a more positive view as it could be the making or breaking of their jobs! Maybe they should look at how many Little Chef's have closed and see this as a positive move and something they themselves should encourage. The general public are getting more discerning and expect better quality of food. I don't think it was explained very well to Heston just what he was undertaking and at no point has he been offered any guarantees, and it would seem that Little Chef are edging all bets and covering their arses, leaving everything up in the air. I believe Heston has done a very good PR exercise for them and they haven't been seen to do much at all. I can't remember the last time I chose to stop at a Little Chef, but would re-think if I knew the quality of food they served was better. I enjoy a cooked breakfast as much as anyone but the choice is so good I would forgo one for something else Heston had put on the menu. I really hope this doesn't affect Heston's rep and people view it for exactly what it is, a TV reality show that has backfired on the true celebrity - Heston. Shame on you Little Chef.
    Posted by Big chef takes on Little Chef on 20/01/2009 23:14:18
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  39. Ian Pegler Managing Director of Little Chef clearly used Heston as a marketing tool and by making this programme has suceeded in raising our awareness of the Little Chef brand by association. Pegler has only succeeded in giving me a reason NOT TO EAT AT ANY LITTLE CHEF by making this programme. Pegler has come across as very deceitful man, undermining Heston at every opportunity. I hope others think the same a I do and ensure this man does not profit by this terrible treatment of Heston. I will however, book a table at The Fat Duck to enjoy the culinary delights of one of britains greatest chefs. Heston has proved himself to be a real gentlemen when dealing with the pompous Ian Pegler and associates.
    Posted by Nessa on 20/01/2009 22:46:27
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  40. We've just been watching the Little Chef documentary on Channel 4. Im no expert but is it any wonder that a British institution such as Little Chef is going to the wall with such people at the helm of the company?! Admittedly it is a clash of culinary culture, which makes it such good TV, however, this is no excuse for bad manners, ill informed staff, and a general unproffesional attitude. Heston is doing well though and sticking with it so fair play to him.
    Posted by Chrisybee on 20/01/2009 22:32:58
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  41. Just finished watching Big Chef takes on Little Chef. Can't wait for tomorrow night. Poor Heston trying sort out this dying restaurant with man who wants Fat Duck meals for less than a tenner! It does appear that the Chief Exec of the little chef is using Heston and his reputation as a marketing ploy. I have not frequented a Little Chef is more than 20 years mainly because, as previous viewers have stated, poor quality ingredients, badly cooked food which is considerably over priced. If Heston had walked out on the first episode I don't think anyone would have blamed him at all, considering the way he has been treated. I'm sure if it wasn't being filmed he would have really told him where to shove the Little Chef!!
    Posted by Carol Taylor on 20/01/2009 22:29:55
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  42. I think what Heston did will help Little Chef make a comeback from the slumps. I don't know why the Chief Executive was so hesitant about writing everything on Black&White to show a mutual agreement between them. There seems to be so many secrets that Chief Executive is hiding - lack of trust and an unconvincing speech there at the end of Episode 2. After all, Heston was just trying to help.. not to destroy.
    Posted by Matt on 20/01/2009 22:26:22
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  43. Heston should walk away from this, the little chef management are clearly not worth his talent or energy. LC seem opportunist and attempting to use the TV show and prestige of a Michelin starred chef to elevate their brand without putting in any effort, commitment or integrity. My impression is that the food will remain poor because LC will, at the end of the day and no matter what Heston does, reduce the quality of the ingredients and product to achieve a bigger profit margin. LC just want to gain a profile for themselves by getting one of the best chef's in the country to have an input which they will then ignore and hoodwink future customers.
    Posted by LH on 20/01/2009 22:26:17
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  44. I am completely bemused as to how the Chief Exec of Little Chef can be given the responsibility of running a business! Heston should walk _ the Chief Exec clearly doesn't understand his market and his lack of respect for Heston's expertise and experience leaves me speechless. How does someone who seems so incompetent wangle the services of a Michelin-starred chef? Here's hoping he gets his just desserts...
    Posted by FoodFanMK on 20/01/2009 22:22:24
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  45. Heston, Congratulations for sticking at it in the TV show. The Chief Exec was defo duping you, body language said it all. I will try out Popham asap and hope to make the Fat Duck one day as well. Thanks to people like you who have a real passion for food, the UK has shifted amazingly since Maple Syrup Pancakes en route back from the ferry terminal at Little Chef was my main culinary treat. Thanks again.
    Posted by Maple Syrup Fan Raynes Park on 20/01/2009 22:11:06
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  46. Little Chef is just using the whole thing as a free bit of marketing.... Any marketing is good exposure and the CEO doesnt have a clue how to communicate with his team or his guests. Its all just a sneaky ploy to get massive new menu exposure for a brand that has lost it way.
    Posted by Pascal on 20/01/2009 22:08:44
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  47. the owner of little chef is a muppet ,if he wants his buisness to grow he should bloody well listen to heston .there is too many people in this industry like him ,they dont cook just because he has money he thinks he can do anything or treat people like rubbish,
    Posted by lee clark on 20/01/2009 22:08:00
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  48. 1. Please please please make the CEO/MD of Little Chef stop saying 'Blue Sky thinking'... 2. Please please Channel 4 - can you make the above man read these comments? There's a whole load of people that will happily visit his restaurants if he can replicate the end result of Popham... with the quality ingredients of course.
    Posted by Gaby on 20/01/2009 21:16:28
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  49. I have yet to visit the LC in Popham...I do however visit the LC's in Scotland quite regularily.(albeit not many left now). For all those out there who think LC's serve rubbery Scrambled Eggs, think again. This was all for the show. The LC's I visit do a "wicked" Olympic Breakfast with "real" scambled egg, lovely and fluffy!! Heston must have picked the "worst" cook he could find just to slate for the show. Yes I agree LC's can be pricey but the service you get in "some", easily makes up for it. Let's hope this programme shows some of this excellent service and extends to all restaurants. Take a trip North Heston, you may find the same "shabby" buildings, but a totally different LC.
    Posted by Betty Broome on 20/01/2009 20:35:54
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  50. Went to the Popham one just after Christmas. Hard to see how you could get better ingredients better prepared at the prices being charged. Very good experience. The next challenge will be to roll it out nationwide. Good to see that many of the staff from the 1st episode are still there and doing a good job. A success story. It'll be interesting to see how they got there after episode 1 !?
    Posted by Ben Gunn on 20/01/2009 18:06:33
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  51. My husband and I went to Popham Little Chef for Saturday brunch especially to experience Heston's improvements. We loved everything about it- the layout is modern, bright and creates a friendly atmosphere and the menu is great. We opted for the traditional breakfasts and really enjoyed our meal - it's now about quality rather than quantity! Watched the first episode last night and the Chief Executive certainly didn't do himself any favours, he came across as an incompetent manager who seems slightly obsessed with 'blue-sky' thinking! What a fool!
    Posted by KateT on 20/01/2009 17:56:42
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  52. Does the guy running little chef have any idea about food or his customers at all? Heston did very well to stick with the project, if GR had had the task I don't think they'd have been able to broadcast much of it! The guy was so disrespectful to Heston, has he any idea that Heston is Britains best chef?
    Posted by fat duck fan on 20/01/2009 15:57:00
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  53. My wife and I went to the Little Chef on the A5 at Stony Stratford just after New Year. As we arrived 3 customers left at the end of their meal so we were the only 2 in the place. Service was, therefore, exceptionally good. The menu seemed to be really large. The only thing we really don't like is the bottles of Heinz Ketchup and HP sauce on the table. All other sauces are in sachets, why not those two.
    Posted by Martin Cook on 20/01/2009 15:51:20
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  54. I Couldn't believe how the Little Chef boss treated Heston after asking him to try and re-vamp the little Chef. At the end of the day I felt that Heston was thrown truly in at the deep end and given nothing to help him get out. The Little chef boss was obnoxious and to say to Heston that he wasn't excited felt like a true kick in the teeth. He just wanted a fantastic menu where he could easily get a quick mega buck then say bye bye to Heston's good efforts.....it seemed very peculiar to me that the Little chef boss wouldn't give over his GP figures, maybe it was that Little Chef are making a hell of a profit and he didn't want to disclose them because Heston might have asked for more!!! If it was me I would just give up trying to work with a total and utter idiot who can't appreciate the true quality of food.
    Posted by JChadwick on 20/01/2009 14:34:53
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  55. Went to the New Little Chef two weeks ago,(3/01/09)with my wife as it is only two miles from where we live. Very nice indeed.Bright, clean and airy unlike the old look. Had to wait for our meal but well worth it.Piping hot and fresh.Jellie Beans with the bill a nice touch. Will go again
    Posted by JHarding on 20/01/2009 09:34:17
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  56. It is a waste of Heston's time. Management did not appreciate, respect and cooperate with Heston. What's point to work so hard to help them and make them profit?!
    Posted by Jane on 20/01/2009 00:07:41
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  57. I watched this and thought the Little Shef boss was very rude to Heston.
    Posted by simone on 19/01/2009 23:52:54
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  58. I enjoyed the programme. My recent experience of Little Chefs is that they were only to be visited in an emergency and that the food was OK only if you just wanted to refuel and there was nothing else nearby. A breakfast of some sort was always the best bet as it was usually tasty. Many years ago I used to go to a certain Happy Eater restaurant, they used to serve a bacon roll with tomato, I can still remember the exact taste and texture now. Likewise there was a burger shop in Guildford called Bretts which used to flame grill the burgers while you waited, I have never tasted a burger like it since. (Except ones I have constructed myself at home.) It is not that people want to eat British food at a Little Chef, but want something quick, filling, fresh tasting with a distinctive texture that you remember, this includes the fried egg and scrambled egg and the breads. Don't please go the way of MacDonalds, where you can't get a Burger of any sort until 10 30 am.(Just a mucky mess of a breakfast)! I will try a Little Chef again as it now sounds interesting.
    Posted by Garth on 19/01/2009 23:43:04
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  59. I don't think the management appreciated what Heston was trying to do for them. The management was not willing to work together with Heston, but only treated Heston like one of their employees. All they care was money and profit. They didn't even want to spend time to discuss with Heston what they want the restaurant to be like. This is not the way to ask someone to help your company. The management was very irresponsible. I dislike Little Chief even more!
    Posted by Karen on 19/01/2009 23:39:58
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  60. After watching the first part of %u201CBig Chef takes on Little Chef%u201D. I can only presume that Managing Director, Ian Pegler or Heston Blumenthal have never visited a Denny’s Dinner in the USA. Now there is a recipe for success. Yours sincerely Dave Smith London.
    Posted by Dave Smith on 19/01/2009 23:01:55
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  61. I looked forward to this programe but in the first 30 mintues I saw more of the inside of a BMW M5 than a kitchen. From this first episode it seems like a waste of Heston's time but i'll watch on. On a plus side I like the sound of the tasting menu at The Fat Duck and will be paying a visit there way before I venture in to a little chef
    Posted by Andy Lloyd on 19/01/2009 22:49:55
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  62. Little Chef do not employ Chefs or cooks, they have 'Operatives'. These staff have to work to a formula that is supported by the limited equipment available. Therefor, mushrooms are cooked in a deep fat frier, Tomatoes only par cooked on a griddle, ect., ect. I would suggest that the whole of the Little Chef organisation ( including the owner ) go back to school and learn what makes a good British meal. Start with fresh ingredients cooked in the traditional way and NOT on a griddle, under a grill or in a microwave oven A La Americane. To do this however, Little Chef will have to employ cooks and/or chefs, re-equip each establishment, take on staff to wash up the pots and pans needed and then, make a profit!!
    Posted by Rodney J. Dibble on 19/01/2009 22:33:25
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  63. Ate the Olympic breakfast at Popham Little Chef recently - what an improvement food wise! Also staff really keen and friendly and refurb imaginative (try the loo)and looking good.
    Posted by Dianne Young on 19/01/2009 22:28:47
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  64. Big chef little Chef we visited Pophham at christmas. We enjoyed the quality of the food,the atmosphere and the decor. We were told that they only had one portion of scrambled eggs but we could have fried or poached eggs! This seemed a little strange until we saw the programmme tonight then all became clear. The mother-in-law was a littlefreaked from the male voices in the toilet and did panic a little. My wife had to go back with her and explained it was all part of the experience. It is a vast improvement on the old chef and will definitely go back. We may even go to the Fat Duck if we can get in! Well done Heston! Kim & Andy Merryweather
    Posted by The Merryweathers on 19/01/2009 22:22:56
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  65. I have just watched Big Chef takes on Little Chef and I feel that Heston and Little Chef management really don't know what the British Travelling Public want. I used to go to the Little Chef until they became too expensive for then standard of food they were serving. I agree with Heston that the menu is too complicated apart from the breakfast. The Breakfast needs to be kept the same but the quality of the food need to change drastically. Also Heston is correct, we need traditional British food back on the menu, but it just needs to simple and of a good standard. Heston and the Little Chef need to remember that Little Chef are Cafes providing a service to commuters who just want to stop off for a good standard hearty meal or snack at a reasonable price with a decent tasting cup of tea of coffee. A Little Chef isn't the right place for smoking aroma ice cream!!
    Posted by Paul Sharp on 19/01/2009 22:21:35
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  66. Heston!!! Good on you! SORT OUT LITTLE CHEF!!! The last time I went to a Little Chef, I had no choice (unfortunately) and I had the Lasagna and i nearly died! It was literally inch thick in bright orange oily fat and cold on the outside and burning hot in the middle. It ruined my journey coz just looking at the food made me feel ill. Teach them all how to cook because its not difficult to do scrambled eggs.... I could do scrambled eggs when I was 6 better than that! Anyway, Little Chef makes me so angry so I'm sorry about the rant but I can't help it. I have sworn never to return to a Little Chef as long as I live, but if it changes the menu and they learn what food is, I might return one day. I'm not promising though... Good Luck!
    Posted by Coo on 19/01/2009 22:17:48
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  67. Just watched the programme and it's hilarious. How can so many people say the old Little Chef was a viable business. I stopped eating there ten years ago due to terrible quality cooking, poor ingredients and really bad value for money. I stopped off on my way past the trial Little Chef last month. I expected it to be poncy, having heard the rumours about fish and chip shop aromas but ended up loving the experience. Firstly the decor. Captured the Little Chef/diner look perfectly without changing it too much. Pristine restaurant, bright colours and little touches such as games available. The toilets were brilliant! Charlie & the Chocolate Factory played when you're on the loo, little cooking tips on the walls and the best handdryer I've ever used. And so the main bit. The service and the food. Well the service was great - very happy, chatty smiley staff. After wanting most things on the menu, I opted for the roast chicken and chips. It was at my table in about ten minutes - any faster and I think I'd've worried how they'd cooked it. It was lush - half thigh and half leg with a lovely gravy and bread sauce. And although I'd expected it to be pricey, it was the same price as the sort of pub food you always hope to find when you're on the road. And surely it's got to be cheaper than motorway service stations AND the old Little Chef menu?? So I REALLY hope that the HQ continue with this project after Heston goes. Because, really, it's not so much to ask to have a clean, good value restaurant serving honest good quality cooking. Is it?
    Posted by Gaby on 19/01/2009 22:16:59
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  68. ive just watched the first episode on 4 and as an ex manager of little chef i think its fantastic what he is trying to do. little chef started to go down the pan when forte were forced out it became all about the profit from then onwards ripping the heart out of the company. there has been no heavy investment for far to long and far to many plasters on huge wounds. once the powers that be at there head office realise that it is far better to cut there gp% but increse covers little chef glory days will be back.
    Posted by andy on 19/01/2009 22:15:19
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  69. People want a hearty meal thats why they go to the Little Chef. If i have to drive for several hours then sit in a meeting for a further 4 hours then travel home again, i want a good meal not scrambled eggs & salmon. I need something that will fill me for the day. I want good uncomplicated flavours to flavoured with "Tea"!! Maybe I am a heathen, but I know what I want and "playing around" with food does not interest me when I need a good meal in the day. Thats "OK" for nightime meals when your out with the missus. No-one doubts Heston's genius in the kitchen, but you do not have to "Tart" everything up. Save the Olympic!!!!!
    Posted by Mark on 19/01/2009 22:13:14
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  70. I have just watched your program with Heston and was asked to make comment. I am staying at a Travelodge in Warminster with an adjoining Little Chef. Last week I stayed in Beckington which also has a Little Chef next door. I have eaten in both Little Chefs. Funnily enough, the team mentioned that they would be better off with a sandwich. That is exactly what I am doing now. The saving grace of both Travelodges is that they are right next door to a petrol station which sells sandwiches. As I will be working away for the next two months and this is how I will primarily be eating. Little Chef food is overcooked, overpriced and tasteless. The staff are friendly but the quality of food leaves a lot to be desired. There is rarely more than a couple of people in the restaurant when I have been there (Breakfast and dinner) Regards John
    Posted by John Wilkinson on 19/01/2009 22:11:55
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