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When Dave Myers met John Tovey

Two of our most famous Old Boys and their love of food

Dave Myers talks about John Tovey

JOHN TOVEY MBE

Just a few words about the great John Tovey, who I was lucky enough to spend some time with on a Cunard cruise on the Queen Victoria in 2012.

In the world of food John was a legend. Miller Howe, his hotel, was one of the most fashionable and one of the first country house hotels in the region. I am so sad I never got to eat at Miller Howe. Apparently, it was a grand camp occasion - John was self-taught and his menus know no sense of restraint. A gong would summon you to dinner into the dramatically lit dining room, to be served such dishes as, “local farmyard chicken breast stuffed with Cashel blue cheese and served with coconut and coriander leaves.”

John was one of the first TV chefs alongside his great friend Delia Smith. I have been drunk with both, and their lack of pretention and love of food knows no boundaries.

On the first night of my holiday cruise, I entered the dining room to be seated at the next table to John, he said, “hello don’t I know you,” in a waspish guarded way. I said, “no Mr Tovey, but I know you, and what an honour it is to meet you.” From that moment we hit it off and every mealtime was joyous.

John introduced me to Jonnie Walker Blue label whiskey, and chateaux Yquem wine (but only if we went halfies!)

His tales of Miller Howe are legendary, but above all he was a Barrow lad, and in a way, we found we were in the same trade, in many ways John paved the way for the likes of Si and I to share our love of food on the telly. I think we liked and respected one another.

He came to dinner when I lived in Abbey Road - I was nervous and took great care. He said it was one of the best meals he had ever had (in a private house not a restaurant) and that my portions were too large.

My wife Lilianna and I were so lucky to meet John and to enjoy so many fabulous meals.

He really was a legend.

John Tovey was born on 19 May 1933 and died on 8 September 2018 – aged 85.

https://oldbarrovians.org/alumni/johntovey

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