WORK • Wednesday Routine
NIEVES BARRAGÁN MOHACHO • chef-director • Sabor and Legado
Neighbourhood you work in: Central London
Neighbourhood you live in: South London
It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
It’s 8am and we’re already buzzing. We start with a coffee and our team briefing, checking fridge stocks, deliveries, and locking in the specials for the next day. From there, it’s straight into prep: talking with each section, checking in on what needs to be done, tasting dishes and refining everything. It’s very hands-on, very full-on, just how I like it.
Around 10am, we pause for a quick breakfast (I usually have yoghurt with fresh fruit) before briefing the front-of-house team. We walk them through the specials, share stories behind the dishes and make sure everything’s aligned. Then we clean down and get ready. Doors open at 12pm and the energy shifts into service mode. It’s structured chaos in the best way.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Right now, it’s all about Legado, my new restaurant in Shoreditch, which is a celebration of Spain’s diverse regional food cultures. It’s opening 28 August and we’re still fine-tuning the menu, tasting, testing and adjusting. Each dish tells part of the story, so the process has to be thoughtful. It’s an exciting phase, intense but incredibly rewarding.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
As we’re only open for lunch during soft opening, we’re planning a little Shoreditch tour tonight. We’ll definitely pop by Singburi next door, then Smoking Goat (I usually order a lot, but my highlights are the cuttlefish and chicken wings). Another favourite is Planque – their lobster rice is incredible.
How about a little leisure or culture?
When I’m not in the kitchen, I’m usually cycling, climbing or hiking – anything that helps me disconnect and clear my head. Nature gives me space to breathe and often inspires new ideas. I find that physical movement really balances the creative energy of cooking.
Any weekend getaways?
If I can get away, I head to Dartmouth in Cornwall. It’s one of my favourite places in the UK, peaceful, stunning valleys, beautiful houses, and the seafood is just exceptional. I love going out on a boat to fish and then cooking what we catch. It’s the perfect reset. I often visit my friend Mitch Tonks when I plan a weekend there. I stay at the Dart Marina Hotel. Mitch and I spend the day fishing, before ending up at one of his restaurants, either The Seahorse or Rockfish – perfect ends to the perfect getaway.
What was your last great holiday?
My most recent trip was to Tropea in southern Italy, and it was absolutely magical. I expected it to be beautiful but it completely exceeded expectations. The views are breathtaking, especially with Stromboli volcano in the distance, and the food was phenomenal.
Where are you donating your time or money?
I regularly support Action Against Hunger. It’s a cause close to my heart and I’m always happy to give my time or lend a hand for events and fundraising.
Photo: Sam Cornish