Catering demands notoriously long hours and, as with so many of us, Dave Lythall’s passion for cars has taken a back seat to his working life as head chef at Room, on Castle Street.
Despite this, Dave has a good grounding in the world of classic cars.
He says: “My dad was a test driver for Bentley, so often he would pull up to our house after work in the latest model. If he had to take it on a 500-mile test run, we would go away for the weekend.
“It gave me a real passion for cars which lasted up until my late teens. After I passed my test I bought a Volkswagen Beetle which I took to car shows across the country.
“When life got a bit more hectic after I moved out of my mum’s house, my enthusiasm for cars seemed to fall by the wayside somewhat, but I still find driving quite relaxing.
These days, Dave’s driving is restricted to the daily commute to the restaurant from his Salford Home.
He says: “I often get asked if I will ever move to be closer to work, but I really enjoy the 40-minute drive. After a stressful day in the kitchen, it’s a good opportunity to wind down and forget about the day.
How many times did you take your driving test?
I passed second time. I can’t quite remember but I have a feeling that I was speeding on my first attempt. It’s embarrassing that I couldn’t even stick to the limit on my test. It certainly didn’t bode well for the future!
What was your first car?
The Beetle. I didn’t enter it into competitions – it wouldn’t have stood up to the scruting of the judges examining the engine and angling mirrors under the chassis – but I can certainly admit to being an enthusiast back then.
What do you drive now?
An X-reg Renault Megane Coupé. I vaguely remember it being sky blue when I bought it, but what with the dirt and the fact that I never see it in the daylight hours, it seems to look more of a grubby grey these days.
What do you like and dislike about it?
I’m quite indifferent to it really. For me it is very much a matter of getting from A to B. In its defence, though, it has a 1.4 litre engine which means it comes into its own on the motorway, which takes up the majority of my daily commute.
What would be your ideal car?
A Bentley, of course. Having had the opportunity to travel in so many, I can honestly say that their reputation is right – they are second to none.
Who would you takes as a passenger on a long journey?
My sous chef at Room. It seems that I spend more time with him that anyone and I haven’t killed him yet, so a few more hours stuck in a car wouldn’t hurt, I don’t suppose.
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