Professional skateboarder and stunt performer, Matt Pritchard, was one of our celebrity supporters for National Vegetarian Week. Also a chef, he has written two cookbooks, ‘Dirty Vegan’ and ‘Dirty Vegan: Another Bite’. Last year, he hosted the first BBC vegan cookery show, ‘Dirty Vegan’. Here he talks to us about his time in lockdown, his motivations for eating vegan, and his career highlights.
Many of us are cooking more at home at the moment and inventing new dishes with ingredients we’ve found at the back of the cupboard. Have you discovered any new favourite dishes or cooking techniques?
I’ll be very honest, not really. I’ve used up so much stuff I haven’t used in a while which has been great to clear the cupboards but my meals have been very basic for obvious reasons.
What have you missed most in lockdown?
Spring/summer is my fave time of year when it comes to fresh food produce so I’d say that’s what I’ve missed the most.
What have you enjoyed most in lockdown?
Spending every hour with my dog, Lemmy the springer spaniel. Not having to interact with many humans. Being back running and cycling has helped my mental health big time. Not being on social has been another plus point. In general, life went back to being very basic and it was great.
What does your dog, Lemmy, bring to your life?
He brings me so much happiness. I couldn’t imagine life without him, he’s everything to me.
What would you say to someone to inspire them to eat more plant-based food?
Look into an animals eyes, look into its soul, look into its feelings and question why you’d like it to be killed for your pleasure when it doesn’t need to be. That should be enough for anyone really.
What’s your motivation for eating vegan?
Knowing I’m not supporting cruelty and murder and I course the tremendous health benefits I get from it.
Last year, you hosted the BBC’s first vegan cookery show, Dirty Vegan. Tell us how that came about…
I had a cooking show on YouTube and it all went from there. I guess they liked what they saw.
What’s your opinion on vegetarianism: a positive choice, or not far enough?
A good step in the right direction to veganism. It’s not for me but to each their own.
Tell us about the tattoos. How do you pick the designs and what is the significance of them?
A load of them have some meaning to me and the things I’ve done in life. Some were done whilst being completely blasted out of my mind. I really enjoy getting tattooed, I find it very relaxing and meditative.
You’re a professional skateboarder, stunt performer and chef. What has been the highlight of your career so far?
It all has, I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m very grateful that I’ve been able to make a living out of my hobbies and the things I love doing in life.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
There are too many to name.
What’s next for you?
House in Spain. Where there’s sun, sea and a Mediterranean diet, there is much happiness.