Angela Hartnett, OBE, is one of the UK’s most loved chefs and restaurateurs, known for her sophisticated yet simple, Italy-inspired cooking. Born in the UK, her passion for good, honest food and the best ingredients was instilled in her by her Italian grandmother and mother. After starting in the kitchens at Aubergine, Zafferano, L’Oranger and Petrus, Hartnett became head chef at the latter within seven short months, helping the restaurant to achieve a Michelin Star. She went on to launch many other restaurants in the UK and overseas and, in 2007, was awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to the hospitality industry. The following year, she opened her own restaurant, Murano in Mayfair, where she is a Chef Proprietor and holds one Michelin Star. Serving modern, seasonal food with an Italian accent, Murano is one of the few restaurants to hold 4 AA Rosettes. In November 2013, Hartnett opened the critically acclaimed café Murano in St James’, a brassier little sister to Murano, and two more London Cafes followed.
Hartnett was the chef judge in BBC1’s Britain’s Best Home Cook in 2020. In June 2022, she launched the podcast Dish by Waitrose & Partners, which she co-hosts with celebrity broadcaster Nick Grimshaw. In January 2022, Hartnett was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to the hospitality industry and to the NHS (National Health Service England) during the Covid-19 pandemic.
When talking about restaurants where she likes to dine, Hartnett says, “I like restaurants that don’t mess around with ingredients. For me it’s about really good simple, tasty food.”
Lisa Goodwin-Allen is one of the most innovative and exciting chefs in the UK today. She has been Executive Chef at one-Michelin-starred Northcote since October 2017, when she took over the reins at the age of 23. Goodwin-Allen’s impressive culinary skills have landed her multiple TV appearances: she is a regular guest on James Martin’s Saturday Morning and has judged and mentored on both MasterChef: The Professionals and Celebrity MasterChef but is perhaps best known as one of the veteran judges on BBC1’s Great British Menu. Northcote’s ethos of using local suppliers is close to Lisa’s heart. Goodwin-Allen believes there are many unsung heroes and new generations developing new products that she likes to discover and work with.
Giving back to the industry and training her team is hugely important to Goodwin-Allen. In 2017, Goodwin-Allen was involved in Springboard’s Future Chef, an industry-backed resource aimed at inspiring young people aged 12-16 to cook through classroom activities, demonstrations, competitions, and awards. She takes an active role in Hospitality Action, which provides support services to help workers in hospitality get back on their feet again after setbacks.
When speaking about her favourite food, Goodwin-Allen says “I like food to be very visual, very elegant and packed with great flavours. It must taste of what you see. Food is very emotive, and I love re-visiting some of the classics.”
Nieves Barragán Mohacho grew up in Bilbao in Spain’s Basque region, learning about local produce and cuisine from an early age. In 1998, Barragán Mohacho came to London and began work at Simply Nico. In 2003, she joined Sam and Eddie Hart as Sous Chef at Fino, and in 2007, became the group’s Executive Chef ahead of the launch of the first Barrafina restaurant on London’s Frith Street. As Executive Chef for both Fino and Barrafina for 10 years, Barragán Mohacho oversaw the launch of two more Barrafina restaurants (Covent Garden and Adelaide Street) and in 2014 was awarded a Michelin Star for Barrafina Frith Street. In February 2018, Barragán Mohacho opened Sabor on Heddon Street in London with Jose Etura, and in 2018, the restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star, just 8 months after opening – a star they have retained to this day. It has since won numerous other prestigious accolades. She has also made a television appearance on MasterChef: The Professionals and Celebrity MasterChef.
Upon receiving her first Michelin Star for Barrafina, Barragán Mohacho said “We were not fine dining, we didn’t have white tablecloths. You couldn’t make a reservation. We were just doing good food with passion, with love.”