John Winnard - Santus

This months featured foodie is John Winnard of Santus the home of the iconic Uncle Joes' mint ball that have been keeping the world all a glow since 1898, still made to the original recipe in Wigan.

Uncle Joes are a traditional mint which has legendary status in these parts, so if you have never tried them then you must. 

• What is your favourite cookery or food book or publication ? 

John Whaite Bakes.

• What sentence sums up Lancashire Food to you ? 

Honest, hearty and wholesome.

• If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you like to be ? 

Downhill skier.

• Which piece of kit could you not do without ?

Slow cooker.

• Who would join you at your ultimate dinner party and why? 

Stephen Fry, Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, Peter Kay and Freddie Mercury. 

I think that this selection of people should be able to cover most aspects of conversation and entertainment. 

• What advice would you give to your younger self ? 

Seize every opportunity in life.

• Describe your style in three words 

Fair, traditional, and passionate. 

• What was your latest foodie gadget purchase ? 

Rotisserie. 

• What is your greatest achievement to date ? 

MBE for contribution to the food industry.

• What is the worst mistake you have made ?

I once forgot to put peppermint in Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls. 

• Tell us a secret about yourself ? may be something we wouldn’t expect ! 

Sailed from Majorca to Gibraltar in a 42 foot sailing boat.