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Restaurants

When I began my chefs apprenticeship in Melbourne in 1981 it was my dream to one day own my own restaurant. This finally happened in August 2001 when myself and three friends opened The Providores and Tapa Room on London's Marylebone High Street. Previous to that I'd been executive chef, but not owner, of The Sugar Club in Soho and Notting Hill, and before that executive chef at the Mayfair private members club Green Street. However, since The Providores opened I have become involved in many other restaurants and food businesses, some as consultant, some as investor. This was something I hadn't foreseen, but that I have enjoyed immensely.

Photo of PUBLIC restaurant logoPhoto of PUBLIC restaurant dining roomPhoto of PUBLIC restaurant dining roomPhoto of PUBLIC restaurant receptionPhoto of PUBLIC restaurant drink

Public   www.avroko.com  www.public-nyc.com

PUBLIC restaurant is owned and run by AvroKo design in New York. Our team at The Providores Restaurant were asked to help with its set up, initially as a joint venture, but we quickly realised we needed to keep our focus on London and offered what advice and creative help we could for both the kitchen and front of house. In its first year it won two James Beard Awards for best restaurant design and best stationary and collateral design. Head chef is Brad Farmerie (brother of one of the founding partners of AvroKo design) and restaurant management is overseen by Dan Rafalin.

AvroKo have gone on to design even more gorgeous bars and restaurants and have become a much sought out design company - slowly changing the face of restaurant design from New York to Vegas.