Out of office – Clare Robinson and a love for Sicily

This week Clare Robinson discusses her Sicilian heritage and how it’s driven her passion for Italian cooking and food.

Please introduce yourself

I’m Dr Clare Robinson, principal dentist at Garston Dental Practice and founder of The Dental Cafe.

I’m also currently an executive member of the COVID Dental Recovery team for NHSE C&M, and an elected member of the Liverpool Local Dental Committee.

Aside from this, I’m also part of NHS England’s Entrepreneurs Programme. This has enabled me to patent my first medical device, which has consequently put to great use my first degree – which was in engineering.

I guess you could say I’ve been busy over lockdown!

What do you get up to in your spare time away from dentistry?

I have a passion for renovation and enjoy the creative element of designing dental surgeries.

I have recently knocked down my bungalow home to have it rebuilt as a house. It’s a long and sometimes difficult process. But it’s so rewarding when ideas become reality. I’ve therefore spent a good deal of time on Pinterest!

I also love to cook traditional Italian and Sicilian dishes, and I find that spending time exercising and working out is a fantastic way for me to reduce stress.

Are you into any sport? If so what sport and why did you get into it in the first place?

I spend a lot of time at my local gym. There’s nothing better than a combat class or spin session after a tough clinical day.

I have recently completed my first half marathon and have found exercise to be one of the most important tools to keep myself in the most positive of mindsets.

Are you a foodie? Why and what particular food do you go for?

My mother is Sicilian and works alongside my Nonna in one of Liverpool’s oldest pizza parlours. It’s where my love for Italian cooking was born.

You’ll often find me in the kitchen with my two children cooking one of my favourite Sicilian dishes, Arancini!

What type of television/movies do you like – any guilty pleasures?

I love to watch cookery programmes; they really help me to switch off. This year I’ve been indulging in plenty of travel documentaries as a form of escapism!

Do you like to travel and do your hobbies take you anywhere in particular?

I love to spend the summer reuniting with my family on the vineyards of Cianciana, Sicily. I’m so proud of my Sicilian heritage and love to visit whenever I can.

Why is it important to have hobbies away from dentistry?

Work is very stressful. I truly believe that taking time outside of the practice to relax, unwind and spend time with my loved ones means I’m more focused and present at work.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m married to a vet. So I have inadvertently been introduced to the animal world.

I was gifted six chickens for my birthday a few years back – I absolutely love them and would recommend that anybody considering them as a pet should go for it!