Peter Gordon-1
Peter was created an O.N.Z.M. (Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit – the NZ equivalent of an OBE) in the 2009 New Years Honours List for services to the Food Industry, by the Queen at Windsor Castle. Peter is widely recognised as an strong promoter of the food industry in both his native New Zealand and here in the UK where he uses his culinary skills to raise money for numerous charities, as well as various culinary competitions which promote professional excellence amongst younger chefs and waiters. Peter’s annual charity event for leukaemia ‘Who’s Cooking Dinner?’ has so far raised almost £4 million over the past 15 years.
Early life and career beginnings…
Peter was born in the New Zealand coastal town of Whanganui. He moved to Melbourne in 1981 and completed a three year chef apprenticeship at William Angliss College, cooking in Melbourne restaurants before travelling for a year throughout Asia. This period of travel and exploration was to become the greatest influence on his culinary style. In 1986, he returned to Wellington, New Zealand, to set up the kitchen at the original The Sugar Club restaurant.
London and Fusion…
In 1989, after two and a half years running The Sugar Club kitchen, Peter made the move to London, where he gradually introduced his eclectic style of cuisine, now called Fusion.
To see more about Peter’s culinary travels, his books and various projects visit his personal website or Facebook page.