Did anything good come out of 2020?

 Yes, it did. I got lucky and managed a holiday at the start of the year to Vietnam.  I perfected my cooking of chicken wings and I had the pleasure of renovating and launching The Prince Consort Hotel in Fortitude Valley. We not only took the hotel back to its original name (it was The Elephant) but we completely refitted the interior and it’s now a pumping hotel full of joy and activity, over three incredible levels!

What’s your favourite summer memory?

On New Year’s Day this year, we hosted a Ministry of Sound Classic party at The Prince Consort with some of Australia’s greatest DJs – The Stafford Brothers, John Course and GT. They all played anthems from the early 2000s. It brought back memories of a wonderful time and felt like the perfect start to 2021. I loved it!

Are you a summer or a winter person?

I am an all-year person, I love all the seasons and I get excited when they start to come around, I love the fashion, food and drinks that come with each season.

How do you stay resilient during periods of change, like the year just gone?

I am a very positive and optimistic person and I find the upside and opportunities that come from them. Through COVID I got the chance to cook a lot more, I got the chance to spend more time with my wife and with pets, it was great. There are downsides to things but I can’t control them so I control what I can.

Who were your heroes of 2020?

I had so many heroes in 2020. Venue operators like Tyron Simon and Kwan Fong who stayed open through the COVID and kept people working and kept jobs for people were my heroes. They put people first and profits second through uncertain times – very brave. Also a big shout to Lebron James who won the Lakers an NBA championship and had to do over 100 days in COVID bubble not seeing family.  It was amazing to see someone chase down their goal.

What’s your secret ambition?

I always wanted to be James Bond, can’t wait for the new movie to come out.

What’s your favourite holiday spot?

I missing travelling more than anything. Bali really can be paradise, Cabo in Mexico is so much fun and I also have a soft spot for Paris.

What are you hoping for in 2021?

Firstly, for things to get back to normal. I really wanted to travel to Italy in 2021. But if not, maybe a trip to Tasmania with my wife could be on the cards. And I’m hoping for back-to-back championships for the LA Lakers in the NBA.

What have you been watching on television/streaming services lately?

I love TV! I have loved watching Riviera on SBS demand and throughout COVID I watched all of [Netflix series] Ozark … That Marty!

Any people or businesses to watch in 2021?

 Tyron Simon. Watch out for what he is doing in the restaurant industry. I can’t wait to see his new venue.