Andreas Antona
Andreas Antona | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth year and age Cuckfield, West Sussex, England |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, restaurateur |
| Known for | Owner and Chef-Patron of Simpsons and The Cross; mentoring chefs Glynn Purnell, Luke Tipping, and Andy Waters |
Andreas Antona (born September 1957) is a British chef and restaurateur of Greek-Cypriot descent, known as the owner and Chef-Patron of Simpsons, one of Birmingham's five establishments awarded a Michelin star, as well as The Cross located in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. He has played a significant role in shaping Birmingham's culinary scene by mentoring prominent chefs such as Glynn Purnell, Luke Tipping, and Andy Waters, leading The Times to dub him "the godfather of modern Birmingham food."
Originating from Cuckfield in West Sussex and brought up in Chiswick, London, Antona pursued his culinary education at Ealing Technical College. His early career included international stints in hotels across Germany and Switzerland before working alongside Anton Mosimann at prestigious London venues, The Dorchester and The Ritz. Beginning in 1987, he held the position of Head Chef at the Plough and Harrow Hotel in Birmingham during its prime as one of the Midlands’ top dining destinations.
In September 1993, Antona launched Simpsons in Kenilworth, naming it after the former chemist shop owned by his father-in-law on the same location. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star in 1999 and later moved in 2004 to a Grade II-listed Georgian villa in Edgbaston, Birmingham, by which time it had garnered a solid reputation across Europe.
Following this success, he opened The Cross in Kenilworth, which quickly earned a Michelin Star after its 2014 debut. Additionally, Antona is involved with Pure Bar & Kitchen in Birmingham, further broadening his influence within the city's competitive restaurant industry.
External links
- Simpsons Restaurant – Official website
- The Cross – Official website