Skye Gyngell: The top chef on her work-life balance
I work most nights, so I tend not to get out of bed too early. I’ll usually wake up around eight, make a cup of tea and get back into bed to watch the news. It’s my biggest treat. I then go for a walk in Ravenscourt Park and make myself some breakfast before heading to Spring at around 10.30am.
When I arrive I make sure I say hello to everybody in the office and kitchens before going through any menu changes and the day’s events. I then get changed into my chef whites and do lunch service. I taste the dishes and plate up – my favourite section to work on is salads. I love arranging them. That finishes around three o’clock – and then the staff have a ‘family lunch’ together.
Before we start service again at 5.30pm I might try some new recipes or have a few meetings. I leave at about 9.30pm, when things are beginning to calm down. I then drive home, have a bath with a cup of mulberry-leaf tea, and read for about an hour before falling asleep.
Every two weeks I treat myself to a pedicure – in my line of work, there’s no point getting a manicure
I often have to work over the weekend, but once every three weeks I take the weekend off. I have dinner with friends, walk in Hyde Park or wander around Marylebone Farmers’ Market. My 20-year-old daughter, Evie, has recently moved back from America to live with me, but I’ve also got a 27-year-old, Holly, who works as a photographer’s agent in LA; with Facetime I feel really connected to her still.
Everyone’s so glamorous in the restaurant but I’m always in baggy clothes and my hair’s a mess – with food stuck in it half the time. So every two weeks I treat myself to a pedicure – in my line of work, there’s no point getting a manicure. I also do Pilates twice a week, which makes me feel better after being on my feet all day.
Skye's must haves:
Before bed I always use… Skin EssentiA Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser 1, poa, Environ
I recently read... Tirra Lirra by the River by Jessica Anderson. Reading is a huge luxury to me.
I don't go anywhere without... Kiss Mix Demure Lip Balm, £18, Eve Lom
I love my... Fay Andrada bracelet, bought from Marylebone boutique Mouki Mou – it’s the only jewellery I wear.
My signature scent... Gypsy Water, £142 for 100ml edp, Byredo
My style icon... Michelle Obama
Skye's top tips for success:
Surround yourself with good people – you’re only as good as your team.
Acknowledge talent. I couldn’t run the restaurant without every individual.
Take risks. If you really want to do something, do it.
Always give 100 per cent. I think most people only give about 50.
Do what you love – then it doesn’t feel like work.
