Owner of the high-end Sabor restaurant in London, Nieves Barragan, has recently opened up about her journey to becoming a Michelin star chef. Her success remarkable, credited to her hard work, dedication and love of Spanish cooking.

Here, we’ll look at the extraordinary story behind her success and her Michelin star restaurant, Sabor.

How it all started

Initially only planning to stay in the UK for 12 months, Barragan never planned to become a chef. Instead, she was studying nursery teaching and only came to London for a year-long break from her studies.

That’s when she began working as a kitchen porter; a decision which would change her life more than she could imagine.

After joining Barrafina as a sous chef and meeting her now business partner, José Etura, the pair worked their way up the ranks over a 14-year period. That’s when they decided to open up their own restaurant, focusing on Spanish cooking.

The opening of Sabor

Barragan and Etura opened the Sabor restaurant back in 2017 on Heddon Street. Featuring an open-kitchen design, the restaurant serves up authentic Spanish dishes.

A limestone counter is used to write the orders on, just like they do it in Spain. All food is cooked in front of the diners, which Barragan believes is key to her success.

Since it’s opening, Sabor has earned Michelin star status and attracts a wide range of customers. Just some of its impressive dishes include suckling pigs and Octopus.

Style is what you own

One things that helped Barragan achieve her inspiring level of success is her strong, passionate personality. Speaking in an interview with top fashion brand Belstaff, she talked about the link between style and personality. She states:

“Style means personality, it’s who you are. When I’m plating the dishes, that is my style…that is my personality”   

She also spoke of her love of working in Sabor, as well as the challenge that came from starting it:

“Making Sabor has been one of the most challenging things I have ever done. Come here at 8 o’clock in the morning, leave at 1 o’clock in the morning. It doesn’t matter. When you see the happy customers, that’s what inspires me every day”

The story of Barragan’s success is certainly inspiring. Her adventurous spirit has seen her go from studying nursery teaching in Spain, to owning a Michelin star restaurant in London. Helping to add authentic

Spanish cuisine onto London’s food scene, Barragan is inspiring budding chefs to follow their hearts and allow their personality to shine through in the dishes they create.