12 Mar 2025
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Kat Harrington, the creative force behind award-winning Thai takeaway Kat’s Cuisine: https://www.katscuisine.co.uk/
Where do you walk when you want to think?
I enjoy walking around Highfield Park because it’s a beautiful, green space that’s close to me. It’s the perfect place to clear my mind, reflect, and enjoy some fresh air. The peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot to think and unwind while staying active.
What’s the first thing you do after you’ve woken up in the morning?
The first thing I do after waking up in the morning is go for a jog. I enjoy this because it helps keep me healthy and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. It’s a great way to wake up, boost my energy, and start the day feeling refreshed and accomplished.
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be?
My mother. She passed away when I was 10, and I miss her deeply. I would love the chance to talk to her, share my life with her, and hear her voice again. It would mean so much to reconnect, even for just a moment.
What’s your favourite meal? My favourite meal is fish. I love it because I ate it often as a child, so it brings back fond memories. It’s also a light yet satisfying meal that doesn’t leave you feeling too full, and it’s a healthy choice as well.
Do you speak any foreign languages?
I speak English, Thai, and Isan. Being from Thailand, I naturally learned these languages and use them in my daily life.
What was your first job?
My first job was at the age of 10, picking and selling vegetables at my local market. I would wake up very early to set up and sell my produce before heading off to school. It was a hardworking start, but it taught me valuable lessons about responsibility and dedication.
What super power would you like to have?
Based on my life journey – the place I came from, the life I have now, and my deep belief in Buddhism and karma – I would grant the power of a magic mirror. This mirror would be a gift to those struggling with hardship and unhappiness, reflecting the path forward. It would reveal a world where kindness, once offered, often finds its way back to the giver.
Where would be your preferred place locally to get married?
My preferred place to get married would be St Albans Cathedral. My husband proposed to me nearby on a winter night, just after it had stopped snowing. The Cathedral gardens were beautifully covered in white, creating a magical atmosphere. It was a huge surprise and such a special moment. Getting married at the Cathedral would have been a dream come true.
Wednesday or Saturday market?
I always go to the Saturday market to shop for ingredients for my takeaway business. Over time, I’ve made friends with some of the market stall traders, so it’s always nice to get up early, catch up with them, and enjoy the atmosphere before heading home to prep and start work.
If you had a time machine, what year would you choose to visit and why?
If I had a time machine, I would go back to when I was 10 years old to see my mum again. I would take that time to say all the things I’ve wanted to tell her over the years and let her know how proud I am of her. She was one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever known, and having the chance to share that with her would mean the world to me.
