Fast Food With Luke Consiglio Of The Pantry UK

Luke Consiglio, CEO of The Pantry, shares his thoughts on the world of food.

What do you love most about food?

Food is the ultimate leveller. It has an incredible ability to bring people together, regardless of their background, culture or circumstances. Some of life's best conversations, celebrations and memories happen around a table, sharing a meal. For me, food isn't just about nutrition, it's about connection, community and creating moments that people remember.

What food takes you straight back to your childhood?

Handmade ravioli. Some of my family are from Malta, and homemade ravioli was a staple growing up. It wasn't just the food itself, it was the tradition of them being made from scratch, then everyone coming together to eat them.

What is your favourite food experience/memory?

My wedding day. We chose an afternoon tea, cocktail stations and a hog roast, food and drink that naturally bring people together. Looking back, it wasn't just about what was served, but the atmosphere it created. Seeing our family and friends sharing great food, laughing and celebrating together is a memory I'll always treasure.

What is your favourite fruit?

That’s a hard one… Blackberries!

What is your favourite vegetable?

Corn on the cob!

What food would you never want on your plate?

Marmite!

Who would be your dream dinner party guest (past or present) and why?

Bobby Moore. As a lifelong West Ham United and England supporter, I've always admired him. Nearly 60 years after he lifted the World Cup, no England captain has managed to replicate what he achieved. Beyond his footballing ability, he was a true leader who carried himself with humility and dignity. I'd love to hear his stories from 1966, his views on leadership and what it really takes to inspire a team.

What is your preferred type of takeaway food and why?

Chinese, every time. It's the takeaway we always have to celebrate my birthday, so it's become a family tradition. For me, it's not just about the food, it's about everyone getting together, sharing lots of different dishes and enjoying each other's company. It makes it feel like a real celebration.

What is your ultimate guilty pleasure when it comes to food?

Ice cream. Once I open a tub, I have absolutely no self-control, it's pretty much guaranteed to disappear in one sitting… especially if my daughters are there to help!

What is the one dish you love to cook at home and why?

Handmade pizzas. I love making them with my daughters, and it's become one of our favourite family traditions. Everyone gets involved in choosing their own toppings and creating their own pizza, so it's as much about spending quality time together as it is about the food. Seeing how much they enjoy it makes it my favourite meal to cook.

What is your favourite country to visit to explore their cuisine?

Italy. Every meal feels like an occasion, whether it's a simple bowl of pasta, fresh seafood or authentic pizza. I love the passion Italians have for food, the quality of the ingredients and the way meals bring family and friends together. There's something special about the simplicity of Italian cooking done exceptionally well.

What ingredient can you never be without in your kitchen?

Eggs. They're one of the most versatile ingredients you can have. Whether it's breakfast, baking, a quick omelette or adding them to a meal, there's always a use for them. Simple, nutritious and incredibly reliable, they're something I always make sure I have in the kitchen.

What is your favourite seasonal ingredient?

Strawberries. British strawberries in the summer. When they're in season, the flavour is unbeatable, and they always remind me that summer is here!

What food always makes you smile?

A great school lunch from The Pantry. I've dedicated my career to improving school food, so there's nothing more rewarding than seeing children enjoying a nutritious, freshly prepared meal. Knowing that something we serve can fuel their learning, bring them together with friends and create positive memories around food is what makes me smile every day.

Sweet or savoury – which wins for you?

Savoury… just!

What’s next on your ‘food bucket list’?

Japan. I've always been fascinated by its food culture and the incredible respect for quality, craftsmanship and fresh ingredients. From authentic sushi and ramen to the street food and regional specialities, I'd love to experience it all. I'm also really interested in seeing how Japan approaches school food and what we can learn from its culture around nutrition, education and mealtimes.

Is there anyone that you feel is truly inspirational in the world of food?

School chefs. Every day, they produce nutritious and enjoyable meals for hundreds of children, often while working with extremely tight budgets, limited resources and demanding time pressures. Their creativity, resilience and commitment are genuinely inspirational.

They play such an important role in children’s health, wellbeing and education, yet they do not always receive the recognition they deserve.

Find out more about Luke and The Pantry by visiting their website here