Alex Aitken is Chef Patron at Harbour Hotels and specifically The Jetty, The Kings Arms and Upper Deck in Christchurch Dorset.

He started working life on Scottish Trawlers in the North Sea and is a self taught chef and restaurateur with roots in food and especially regional and wild sustainable food.

Q: What would be your perfect day out in Dorset?

A: It would be with my wife Caroline starting at The Jetty with an espresso for me and a latte for Caroline. I always check the business first then I can relax. Then either a trip inland to Cranbourne Chase love the hills. Or my favourite is a trip along the Dorset coast, even better if at sea.

Q: What are your fondest memories of the county?

A: We once went to Lulworth Cove, bought fresh lobsters and crab, then a superb free range chicken and some veg, invited the children and grandchildren for an impromptu feast. The lobsters were cheaper than the free range chicken.

Q: What has been your proudest achievement?

A: My initial thought is a Michelin Star for 15 Years, the numerous ‘restaurant of the year awards’ But 41 years of marriage, two boys, five grandchildren is pretty good too.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?

A: I get most of my inspiration from the raw ingredients and the seasons. Then it's travel and the experience of eating and sharing ideas.

Q: What would be your favourite thing to do when you have a day off?

A: Invite friends over for a meal cook, eat to much and enjoy fine wines and conversation, or go sailing.

Q: Where is your favourite place to eat in the county?

A: This is difficult I love my Jetty in Mudeford but on a day out, perhaps it would be somewhere else...? Sorry it’s The Jetty every time.

Q: What three things do you associate with Dorset?

1) The coast and its seafood

2) The land and wealth of produce

3) The people, they always stop smile and say hello.

Q: If you could summarise the county in one word what would it be?

A: Dorselicious (can I say that?).