Phil Dean joins Katie of Leeds Grub in sharing some of his favourite eating and drinking adventures. Before we let him loose with another blog we asked him a little about himself…
So Phil we understand that you like manbags tell us more! (just kidding)
Well it’s actually very true! I’m finding more and more these days that voluminous pockets aren’t enough to carry all the male accoutriments I need: ipod, moleskine, wallet, pens, sunglasses etc etc. My wife jokes that I probably have more bags than she has…
Tell us a bit more about who you are and what you do in your day job?
My day job is Partner and Managing Director of Leeds-based brand communication agency Thompson Brand Partners.* Although we’re based in Leeds, most of clients are London based and we’re working with the likes of Harvey Nichols, NHS Direct, Paul Smith, London 2012 and the Science Museum. I trained as a graphic designer at Jacob Kramer (now Leeds College of Art) so design has always been a big part of my career and even though I physically design very little, creativity is still very important to me.
You seem to have a keen eye for intelligent design, what’s caught your eye recently that our readers might find interesting?
I love anything that’s intelligent and well considered. So whether it’s the truly awesome Apple brand, where the innovation of the product is matched by the beauty and user experience , or brands that just do the simple things right like Howies – these brands have powerful personalities that make them stand out like beacons. I believe it’s important for smaller companies take care with their brand too, it shows they have real vision and an eye for design which I believe will help them grow. If you’re looking for creative stimulation have a look at this site – never fails to visually excite www.ffffound.com
So you evidently work hard for a living, what do you spend all your hard earned dough on?
I’m a bit of a foodie and I love cooking at home or eating out. That’s how the globe troffers blog started – a group of like-minded people just started writing about our foodie adventures. I’m also enjoying a real musical moment too (it must be my time of life) but I don’t think there’s a better place to be in the UK at the moment with bands springing up all over the place. I’m a sucker for all things technological and gadgetry too. I’ve been fascinated by the blogosphere and Twitter and I really couldn’t function without my iphone (even though I’ve just smashed the screen).
We look forward to hearing more about your troffing adventures, if you were down to your last £50 where would you eat and what would you have?
My last £50? That’s easy. My favourite restaurant in Leeds at the moment is Kendell’s Bistro down by the Playhouse. The food is incredible and the value superb, unpretentious and a real find. I send everyone I meet there if I can!