Executive Head Chef Mahdi Chawki
My culinary journey began at the age of 15. I was inspired by my mother’s simple yet delicious food, where Italy meets Morocco, which sparked my love for cooking and understanding of fusion food from an early age. This passion led me to pursue formal studies in the culinary arts, opening doors to an exciting life as a chef.
My career has taken me across various countries, including experiences in Sweden, where I immersed myself in Scandinavian cuisine, discovering its unique flavours and techniques. This time with Scandic food broadened my approach to ingredients and simplicity. Following that, my first experience in London was at the Mews of Mayfair, where I further developed my skills and learned the true meaning of outstanding beautiful food.
I have now settled in London, where my culinary journey continues to evolve, blending global influences with my passion for creating memorable, dynamic dishes
Head Chef Simon Robinson
I’ve been passionate about food for as long as I can remember, receiving my first cookbook at the young age of 12! My professional cheffing journey began in countryside rosette hotels in Yorkshire, my home county, where my love for cooking only grew stronger. Since then, I’ve worked in various kitchens, from serving as a head chef at a 2-rosette establishment for two years to leading intimate pop-ups with innovative tasting menus. I’ve even had the experience of working on the other side of the world, in Melbourne, where I spent over a year cooking in various restaurants, exploring diverse cuisines and exotic ingredients.
In 2021, I moved to the City of London equipped with my varied experience and a steadfast passion. Here I had the chance to collaborate with top-quality chefs through freelancing before starting my role with The Don. While my background is modern cooking, I have loved revisiting classic techniques and working with the highest quality of ingredients at The Don, ensuring every ingredient speaks for itself. I’m really excited about continuing to share my knowledge with other chefs and grow an exceptional kitchen team.