Neven Maguire: 'I always say McDonald’s is the most consistent restaurant in the world'

The nation’s favourite chef talks to Orla Neligan about slowing down, his latest cookbook and what really irks him

Neven Maguire is back with another family-friendly cook book.

Conjure Neven Maguire in your mind’s eye. What do you see? An easy-going, affable Neven standing next to a stainless-steel kitchen counter or beaming at you from a roadside restaurant in some far-flung corner of the world. Always smiling with a gentle, measured Cavan lilt. Yeah, me too. Which is why I’m surprised by the image of him spinning the decks and bopping along to ‘90s dance tracks in a sweaty nightclub. It’s not exactly the picture we have of the nation’s favourite, and best-loved, chef and yet it’s very much him.

“People are always surprised to hear that side of me,” laughs Neven, but he’s been honing his hobby since his parents bought him Technic turntables for his 21st birthday and he has a huge collection of 90s vinyl dance records.