The Arts Care CEO/artistic director on Ulster fries, being outdoors and wanting to have a drink with David Attenborough
The best time to get up at the weekend is?
I get up on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8am to make the most of my day off. Years ago, I used to have a lie in, but now I think you miss the best part of the day if you do that. So I wake up early and start my day. I like nothing better than walking my two dogs Molly and Milly on a crisp, bright, winter morning. I tend to go rain or shine and just dress accordingly, as we all know what Northern Irish weather is like.
Breakfast or brunch?
I love a good mid morning brunch — preferably an Ulster Fry in a local cafe. I’m really not keen on the big chain restaurants as I like to support local businesses whenever possible.
What does an ideal Saturday look like?
Taking the dogs for a walk up the Cave Hill with a friend, having a nice brunch in a local cafe, watching rugby or football in my local Rugby Club (Academy in Mallusk) and then playing a folk music gig or musical session in the evening. There might be a Guinness or two thrown in there sometimes… and I do like to still treat myself to a tasty Guinness Zero when I’m driving, which is very nice.
What would your perfect Sunday be like?
A nice morning walk with my dogs, or a visit to a National Trust property with a tasty lunch, then relaxing in the evening in front of the fire watching Countryfile, Antiques Roadshow and whichever David Attenborough series is on. It’s Asia at the minute, which I just find fascinating. That man really is a national treasure.
Do you prefer to be indoors or outdoors?
I’m definitely happiest when outdoors in the countryside. I used to do triathlons, but injuries and age have taken their toll so they’re not a possibility for me anymore. I now enjoy walking forest trails and a bit of cycling, though much more leisurely and less competitive than before, although rest assured I still have that competitive spirit in my veins.
Read more
How have weekends changed as you have got older?
I used to play sports at weekends (rugby, cricket and football) but now I sit back and watch them instead. I’m a big Man United fan and love Ulster Rugby too, so they’d be my two teams that I always look out for on the schedules. I’ve also become busier over time because I’m doing more folk music gigs now at weekends. There’s much less alcohol involved and being consumed nowadays too.
If you could eat out anywhere tonight in NI, where would you go and why?
2 Taps in Waring Street. I love tapas food. I go to Spain twice a year, so 2 Taps is brilliant for the rest of the time when I’m still in Northern Ireland. It makes me feel like I am on holiday and I love the variety of the dishes.
What would you have?
Mixed tapas (especially the chorizo dish) with a glass of rosé wine.
At weekends you’ll always make time to….
Unwind with a walk in the countryside, relax by the fire and watch TV or have Classic FM in the background.
Do you sometimes work at weekends?
Well, I gig at weekends if you call that work. But I definitely try to keep my day job from Monday to Friday if I can, although this doesn’t always go to plan.
Who would you most like to go for a drink with and why?
If you’d have asked me twenty years ago, my answer would have been George Best. Now though it would be David Attenborough. I reckon it would be so interesting to hear his life story directly from him. He has made such a massive contribution over so many years and I really admire him for that.
Are you a weekend cook? If so, what’s your speciality dish?
I’m the go-to Ulster fry person in the house, although I make it much healthier now though using our air fryer and with poached eggs instead of fried, plus a good, hearty portion of mushrooms and tomatoes. Controversial, I know, but you just can’t beat them!
What’s your dream Sunday dinner?
A good, old fashioned beef roast with potatoes, veg, Yorkshire puddings and a healthy dose of gravy.
Who do you normally eat Sunday dinner with and where?
With my wife and son at home in our kitchen.
Too tired to cook – what are you ordering from the takeaway?
I love Indian food — an onion bhaji followed by a seekh kebab is my staple takeaway dish.
Heading for the cinema? What are you going to see?
I very rarely go to the cinema. To get me super motivated to go, it would have to be something that really interests me. Bohemian Rhapsody was the last film I saw at the cinema, way back in 2018, because I love Queen and adored Freddie Mercury.
Staying in… what TV is on the menu?
Mainly sport, particularly football and rugby. And I watch nature programmes daily, especially those featuring David Attenborough.
What are you reading?
I haven’t read a book in years but All About History magazines are my favourite read. I like the shortness of the articles and the variety.
Bedtime is…?
Midnight.
Arts Care is a progressive Arts and Health Organisation founded in 1991 and based in Northern Ireland which delivers a wide range of arts programmes and projects across all health and social care Trusts. For more on Arts Care, see artscare.co.uk