Chef to the stars

Chef to the stars Danny Booth has spent his career tickling the taste buds of the rich and famous.

Now he's moved to Brighton, the celebrities still cannot stay away.

Danny opened sandwich bar Redeli on Ship Street, Brighton, a few weeks ago and it has already become an oasis for hungry showbusiness types.

Danny has been staggered by the amount of famous faces who have come through his doors.

He said: "I'm shocked by how well I've done. It has been fantastic.

"I had Paul McCartney come in for a drink of water just the other week. I don't know how he heard about the place.

"Will Young was in a few weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon. A load of children were hassling him on the streets and he dived in here for cover and a quick drink.

"I must be lucky with all these celebrities popping in."

Even as we speak, Sussex band Toploader's Rob Green - the drummer - drops in for a sandwich and a natter.

Danny started out on the showbiz trail eight years ago when he started training at top chef Charles Fontaine's exclusive Quality Chop House, the sister restaurant to The Ivy in London's West End.

After three and a half years serving celebs like Blur and Keith Allen, Danny moved to Oxfordshire to be second chef to Raymond Blanc at La Manoir Au Quat'Saisons.

It was an even busier time when it came to meeting famous people. He was in hot demand and was asked to do the food for Kate Winslet and Jim Threapleton's wedding reception in 1998.

Danny, 27, who comes from Lincolnshire, said: "There was major media exposure when I did Kate's wedding as she decided she wanted bangers and mash.

"It wasn't a huge do - there were only about 60 people there and it was a real family affair. It was a very straightforward wedding and Jim and Kate were really nice.

"While I was working at the restaurant, George Harrison used to come in a lot. I already knew George through his son and he was a fantastic fella. There were no airs and graces about him whatsoever.

"You would never have known he used to be in the most famous band in the world. He absolutely adored chicken."

Since moving to the seaside, Danny has continued to cater for big stars including Oasis, Paul Weller and Ocean Colour Scene.

He said: "I used to work very close to Wheeler End Studios, where Oasis recorded their last two albums.

"Liam and Noel loved my cooking. They like anything that is plain and simple. Something like a tuna sandwich or pasta and pesto is enough for them.

"They still ask me to come up to the studios to cater for them, even though I'm here.

"Liam is a right laugh although Noel is a bit of a taskmaster. He doesn't like to stop and eat when he is in the middle of recording.

"I last catered at an album launch for Paul Weller. All his family were there along with a load of people from his record label.

"I cooked them lots of canaps, caviar, French delicacies and smoked salmon.

"I have never been treated badly by a star in all the time I've worked for them.

"Maybe it's a case of not biting the hand that feeds you."