Meet Massimiliano – General Manager at The Clockspire
We recently met up with Massimiliano, the General Manager at The Clockspire, our official Yeovil Audi partner. We wanted to discuss all things delicious food and hospitality, along with outstanding Audi models that Massimiliano got the chance to test drive!
Tell us a little bit about yourself, in and outside of work at The Clockspire:
My name is Massimiliano, I am Italian, and I am the General Manager at The Clockspire. I opened this place back in 2019 with Luke, our Head Chef. Since day 1, despite COVID, it has been a fantastic experience. I started in culinary school in Italy when I was 16, I have always had a massive passion for cooking, service and wine. I then went to University in Parma to continue a degree in hospitality and then moved to London when I was 29 for love. I worked for Gordon Ramsay for 8 years and then opened The Clockspire. I got married to my wife in 2015 and we then had a beautiful baby girl who is now 3. My free time is usually spent outside on walks or runs, taking my daughter to see animals and the outdoors, and walking our French bulldog around the countryside. I am looking forward to taking my daughter and wife skiing!
What are your favourite parts about working at The Clockspire?
The daily challenges you get. Things have changed so much over the last few years and even getting certain ingredients can be challenging so being able to turn each challenge into a positive outcome is something I really enjoy. We are really lucky to have our own allotment where we can grow some of our own produce, especially during the summertime. I feel very proud when customers taste our food and talk about how much they love it, knowing that we grew the produce. Our food is grown and cooked with love.
Would you consider yourself to be quite the foodie?
Oh yes, I mean I couldn’t work here if I wasn’t. You could give me any dish and it would be my favourite, everything we have to offer is perfect in my eyes. Luke’s concept of food has changed my view a lot, the first bite is what tells you if you will enjoy your meal but here, with every bite, it just gets better and better. I believe we currently have the best menu we have ever had; everything is delicious and gives you a sense of “wow”.
If you bumped into someone and had to explain what The Clockspire is about and convince them to dine with you, what would you say?
The Clockspire experience will be magical. We have the food, we have the ambience, we have the staff, and we have the ability to offer the best experience to our customers. Did I mention that the food was also delicious?
Let’s talk about cars. You test-drove the Audi Q5, but do you have an Audi that sticks in your mind?
I am a huge car fan and have always loved the Audi TT. I have driven a few different models, and the feeling of driving an Audi is like no other. I was a passenger in an RS 3 not long ago and it was like a rocket. Shockingly powerful, it was honestly incredible. I have done a track day before with an Audi R8 and it was really fun to take that around a track at high speeds.
When you first drove the Q5, how would you describe it?
It is super comfortable and very quiet. Despite its size, it was really nippy. I didn’t expect to have so much power in an SUV vehicle, I was impressed. When I was driving, I felt really peaceful, the way it drives offers you a stress-free experience, I couldn’t believe how smooth and quiet it was when driving on the motorway. When driving through the small country lanes, it was quiet and respectful, and I felt comfortable despite its larger size. The instant torque of the car gave it the power it needed. It's a beautiful car to drive, I thoroughly enjoyed it honestly.
Was there anything you didn’t like about the Audi Q5?
If I was being fussy, the only thing I would change would be the brakes. You can tap the acceleration and it is very responsive, so it would be nice for the breaks to be the same. However, when you are driving around in busy areas, you don’t notice this at all.
Now that you have driven the Audi Q5, are you looking to learn more information about the car or the Audi range?
Audi is always that brand that you can rely on for affordability. I personally wouldn’t look to go into an SUV as I prefer sports models like an A4 or A6 style vehicle, I like the nippiness and aggressiveness of a sports car, but Audi is a top contender for me and something I would definitely consider for the future, especially with Yeovil Audi. I would be very proud to own an Audi.
For more information on The Clockspire, visit here.
For more information on the Audi Q5, visit here.