The Man Behind The Curtain

Michael O’Hare is as maverick as they come. The owner of the Michelin-starred Leeds restaurant ‘The man behind the Curtain’ is one who combines many passions: be it the love for metal or his former training as classical ballet dancer and aerospace engineering, the "enfant terrible" of the British cuisine draws from unexpected sources of inspiration to offer a truly novel culinary experience.

A talk with Michael O'Hare

Music is around me constantly.

How would you describe your culinary philosophy?

In three words... Enjoy the show!

At Krug, we have discovered that Music enhances the tasting experience. Does it play an important role in your life?

This is an intense subject for me. Music is around me constantly and is my main passion aside from cooking. The most emotional experiences of my life have been enhanced by the songs that accompanied them.

How does the location of your restaurant inspire your cooking?

The people in the North of England are amongst the nicest I have ever met, which means we have a restaurant full of good people almost all the time. They inspire me every day.

Who, from history, would you like to share a glass of Krug with?

I cannot limit it to just one person, or just from history, so here is my table plan: John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester; Robert Redford, David Bowie, Elvis and Russell Brand.

What is your idea of pleasure?

I really like connecting with people and sharing a glass of Krug to make a special occasion even more so.

How do you like your eggs?

I like a soft-boiled egg with a really runny yolk.

What do you remember about your first sip of Krug?

I remember we opened a bottle of Krug 2003 the second we got the Michelin star! It was unforgettable and nothing has ever tasted so good.

And finally... Which came first? The chicken or the egg?

The chicken.