Nieves Barragán Mohacho

Nieves Barragán Mohacho is one of the UK’s most acclaimed chefs, celebrated for bringing authentic Spanish cuisine to the forefront of London’s dining scene. Born in Santurtzi, near Bilbao, she was inspired early by her mother’s passion for cooking and the culture of local markets. Her professional journey began in London in 1998, when she arrived with no English and started as a Kitchen Porter at Simply Nico, the acclaimed restaurant run by Nico Ladenis.

Determined and hardworking, Nieves quickly rose through the ranks to Chef de Partie, gaining deep respect for ingredients and fine-dining discipline. In 2003, she became Sous Chef at Fino, a new Spanish restaurant in Soho, where she finally cooked the food of her homeland. Promoted to Head Chef, she led the kitchen as Fino earned a loyal following for its bold, seasonal menus.

In 2007, she became Executive Chef at Barrafina, helping the restaurant earn a Michelin star in 2013, an exceptional achievement for a casual tapas bar. Over 14 years, she oversaw four Barrafina sites and helped shape a new era of Spanish dining in the UK.

In 2017, she co-founded Sabor with José Etura, a restaurant that explores the rich culinary diversity of Spain. Located in London’s Heddon Street, Sabor quickly earned acclaim for its bold flavors and regional authenticity.

Looking ahead, Nieves will open Legado in Shoreditch in late 2025, her most ambitious project to date. A deeply personal venture, it will be a space for innovation rooted in tradition, continuing her mission to share the legacy of Spanish cuisine with the world.