A man with glasses and gray hair wearing a white shirt and blue apron is preparing food at an outdoor event, standing next to a table with various ingredients and plates, with cars and tents in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Private Chef John Penman | Modern Mediterranean Cuisine in the South of France & Beyond

I started my culinary career working in classic fine dining at 3AA Rosette Rushton Hall & Hotel, before travelling to Melbourne where I landed at Pickett’s Deli, a hatted café.

There I fell in love with modern BBQ, grill and deli cuisine, which had a big influence on the playful style of food I enjoy cooking. A combination of seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, with global influences from the Middle East, South East Asia and the rest of Europe.

I have also worked at Ms Vy’s Market Restaurant in Vietnam, the Sun Inn gastro pub and Michelin starred Chez Bruce. I have also further refined my craft through stages at starred restaurants: The Marcus, Elystan Street, The Hands & Flowers, St John Restaurant and Hambledon Hall.

Tray of uncooked tortellini pasta with snowy mountain landscape in the background.

From managing high-pressure logistics for film sets to curating seasonal menus for luxury estates. I have spent the last few years executing bespoke private dining experiences across the world’s most exclusive destinations—from The Hamptons and Courchevel to the sun-drenched coast of Antibes.

Now permanently based on the French Riviera, I use the region’s incredible local produce to create unforgettable, tailor-made culinary experiences for private clients and events across Europe, the UK, and the US.