Things are spicing up in the Limestone Coast Pantry kitchen with the recent addition of head chef Ian Perry.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Mr Perry brings with him a wealth of knowledge and an impressive resume both internationally and locally.

He started his career training in London before working with the prestigious French Roux Brothers and embarking on a stint in the royal kitchens of Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle in the 1990s.

Mr Perry’s desire to travel led him to Australia for 12 months before returning to London where he spent two years working for Great British Bake-Off judge Prue Leith at her Michelin starred restaurant.

Mr Perry was part of the team that earnt the Michelin star, stating it was one of the most incredible nights and biggest highlights of his entire life.

His love of travel then lead him to Bermuda where he lived for almost four years cooking at a private resort, beach and tennis club.

After returning to the UK for 18 months as head chef of a hotel in the scenic Cotswolds, he was once again lured to Australia by an opportunity from Hyatt Hotels to help open the new Park Hyatt Melbourne in 1998.

It was from Melbourne that he relocated to the Limestone Coast to join the team at Upstairs at Hollick and has been involved in other local venues including The Barn and Mayura Station.

Mr Perry said it was time for him to get back on the tools after spending the last 13 years teaching the region’s cookery apprentices at TAFE Mount Gambier.

“After teaching new cooks it was time to jump back in myself and get my hands dirty especially because a lot of people have left the industry due to COVID-19,” he said.

“It is a good fit for me here, although it is a café we have got other plans in the pipeline. It has been a positive experience working with a great team.

“Who knows what is around the corner, it could be anything but right now this is where I want to be.”