Nick Paterson

I grew up in a farming community in the heart of South African’s Drakensburg mountains. I had an amazing childhood, spending most of my time outdoors, playing sports, flyfishing, hunting and hanging out on my friend’s farms. Food was always fresh, local and natural. I had a real sense of being connected to nature.

After completing my schooling, I had a real urge to travel. It was predominantly fuelled by a holiday my family went on to Greece. We were visiting my Aunt who owned a restaurant on Naxos a large island south of Athens. I had always loved food and seeing this rich culture, all the enthusiasm and traditions around food in Greece made me so excited to learn, explore and travel.

Being English I travel to the UK. It was there that I discovered a profound love for cooking in commercial kitchens. I loved the energy, for me, I didn’t want to be sitting at home every evening when I could be in the hustle and bustle of a thriving restaurant! Without thinking too hard about it, it became my career. I have since been incredibly lucky and worked in some of the world’s best restaurants, eaten at even more and been given the opportunity to study all over the world. I truly do consider myself lucky to have found something I am so passionate about.