Alice Capsey: 'English chocolate is better than any other country's'
The England allrounder picks her food MVPs, featuring pizzas, chocolate, and Weet Bix
Interview by S Sudarshanan
13-Jul-2023
The catering at Lord's gets two thumbs up from Alice Capsey • Nathan Stirk/ECB/Getty Images
If you could just eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That would be Prue Pizza. It became a bit of a habit. That was my night-before-the-game dinner. But I have been embracing Indian culture [during the WPL] and going for some curries. But pizza would probably be my go-to.
That would be Prue Pizza. It became a bit of a habit. That was my night-before-the-game dinner. But I have been embracing Indian culture [during the WPL] and going for some curries. But pizza would probably be my go-to.
What's the least healthy thing we'd find in your fridge right now?
An energy bar. I don't have much food in my room. Keep the chocolate out of my room and I am all right!
An energy bar. I don't have much food in my room. Keep the chocolate out of my room and I am all right!
What's one food you had to give up to get fit for cricket? And what has been the hardest food to give up?
I had to give up on biscuits. I am not a big biscuit-izza, so it was easy to give up. But I am a sucker for ice cream. So that was hardest.
I had to give up on biscuits. I am not a big biscuit-izza, so it was easy to give up. But I am a sucker for ice cream. So that was hardest.
Which cricketer you know is the best cook?
My England team-mate Freya Davies is a pretty good cook. I'd probably go to her first.
My England team-mate Freya Davies is a pretty good cook. I'd probably go to her first.
What is your favourite thing to cook, and what is the one thing you make best?
I like to cook a carbonara. It's up there with my favourite meals. I have learnt how to cook that one.
I like to cook a carbonara. It's up there with my favourite meals. I have learnt how to cook that one.
What would your go-to food item on a tour be?
I would go for something pasta-based. It is a safe bet.
I would go for something pasta-based. It is a safe bet.
One food you miss when you're on tour.
I miss home-cooked food, where you can cook it yourself. Something like a roast or with loads of veg. At home, my mum cooks it for me. She cooks a very good roast.
I miss home-cooked food, where you can cook it yourself. Something like a roast or with loads of veg. At home, my mum cooks it for me. She cooks a very good roast.
Which cricketing venue serves the best food?
I can't go too far away from Lord's.
I can't go too far away from Lord's.
prefer the ice cream tbh @Sophecc19 https://t.co/JY8YuaihH1
— Alice Capsey (@AliceCapsey) March 7, 2023
What's your go-to post-workout snack?
Fruits or a protein bar.
Fruits or a protein bar.
What is your comfort food?
If I really needed some comfort food, I would have some chocolate, which probably isn't the healthiest. But it hits the spot, so yes, chocolate.
If I really needed some comfort food, I would have some chocolate, which probably isn't the healthiest. But it hits the spot, so yes, chocolate.
What does a cheat-day meal look like?
Anything unhealthy (laughs). Probably a burger, chips, a chocolate dessert maybe… Chocolate brownie! That would be nice.
Anything unhealthy (laughs). Probably a burger, chips, a chocolate dessert maybe… Chocolate brownie! That would be nice.
Are you a coffee enthusiast? What is your go-to coffee style?
I like my coffee on tours. I am not that enthusiastic. I am a social coffee drinker. I'll go to a coffee shop for a social [meet]. But I do like a flat white.
I like my coffee on tours. I am not that enthusiastic. I am a social coffee drinker. I'll go to a coffee shop for a social [meet]. But I do like a flat white.
What's one snack that always travels with you in your kit bag?
Weet-Bix. You never know what your breakfast is [going to be] like. It is a pretty safe snack throughout the day if you need something to keep going.
Weet-Bix. You never know what your breakfast is [going to be] like. It is a pretty safe snack throughout the day if you need something to keep going.
What does a meal look like on match days?
Depends what time the game is. Breakfast will be like porridge or something quite small before the game. Small kind of lunch, like rice and chicken, not something too heavy.
Depends what time the game is. Breakfast will be like porridge or something quite small before the game. Small kind of lunch, like rice and chicken, not something too heavy.
One food you despise and would absolutely not eat.
I am actually not too fussy. But I don't prefer mushrooms and avoid them. The other food is like a black pudding - that's a big no.
I am actually not too fussy. But I don't prefer mushrooms and avoid them. The other food is like a black pudding - that's a big no.
What's the one thing you'd recommend people visiting England try?
English chocolate is better than in any other country.
English chocolate is better than in any other country.
S Sudarshanan is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo