Sam Smith has revealed a lifelong dream of becoming a fishmonger during an appearance on the Dish from Waitrose podcast.
The latest episode also heard Sam opening up about life in New York and sharing details about the inspiration behind the new album Hazel Eyes.
Joining hosts Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett OBE, Sam discussed everything from favourite comfort foods to touring, relationships and a memorable gift from Ed Sheeran.
One of the biggest surprises came when Sam admitted a fascination with fishmongers that dates back to childhood shopping trips.
Sam said: “I’m still gutted I’m not a fishmonger. Honestly, I used to go to Waitrose a lot as a kid and the fish section, I just loved. I like to handle fish. It felt very calming.”
Although cooking is not a strong point, Sam joked that attempts usually begin with jazz music and a glass of wine before ending in disaster.
Scrambled eggs are now the one dish Sam feels confident making after learning from Marco Pierre White’s Instagram videos.
Food also plays an important role while performing. Sam revealed that dairy and tomato based dishes are best avoided before singing, although giving up cheese completely is not an option.
Sam also shared that a partner’s peanut allergy meant peanut butter disappeared from the house until recent allergy tests revealed almonds were safe to eat.
Now living in New York, Sam said the city offers more anonymity than London, although regular trips back to the UK remain important for family visits and, perhaps most importantly, proper fish and chips.
Speaking about the new album Hazel Eyes, Sam explained the record marks a major creative change after working closely with producer Simon Aldred over several years.
Sam said: “I just want to make good music and I want to get better as an artist. I want to be tested and I want to push myself every album because it’s more exciting that way.”
Instead of embarking on another lengthy world tour, Sam plans to perform a series of smaller UK shows following the album’s release.
The conversation also featured stories about Chaka Khan, the Met Gala and the six foot two marble sculpture gifted by Ed Sheeran, which Sam admitted now lives in the shed because it is “too embarrassed” to display in the garden.
