I joined the kitchen brigade at The Maids Head in the spring of 1972, moving from the Oaklands Hotel. My post was Patisserie Chef de Partie, working under the then head Chef Wilfred Duthallier. The second chef was Ian ‘Tiny’ Sinclair.

I remember Peter Wright. He was affectionately known as Peter the Painter and would often pop into the kitchen to sample our cooking.

The biggest stars to stay at The Maid’s Head were the Monty Python crew. I think it was May 1972 when they filmed in Norwich. They had been filming in Elm Hill and as they were to do more work after dark, they trooped into the restaurant in full drag, all made up, and sat at a table set for 12 in the centre of the restaurant. This created great hilarity among their fellow diners, although the MP team duly remained deadpan throughout. Unfortunately none of us got to meet any of the stars, but I remember them sending a round of drinks through to us thirsty chefs.

Another large claim to fame is the tale of Peter ‘PJ’ Smith who was 3rd Chef. In summer 1971, the ‘Go Between’ was being filmed in Norwich and North Norfolk. One day a rep from the film crew called in. He was searching for a traditional looking chef to appear in a cameo role in the film. Peter Smith was deemed perfect. He was a rotund individual with ginger hair and a full Henry VIII beard. He duly made his appearance before the camera carving a joint of beef in a restaurant – The Maids Head courtyard bar – and appears in the film just after the star’s visit a Horse Fair on Tombland.

I was a sprightly 21 year-old at the time when I worked at the hotel and got engaged to my future wife Dawn while there. The manager at the time was Mr Alan Pike. His wife would often come to the kitchen at around 6pm to get scraps for her dog.