DARREN SIMPSON

Darren Simpson studied and began his career in Northern Ireland where he was born.  Within two years of landing his first job, Simpson was named UK's Young Chef of the Year.  At 21, he was and still is, the youngest ever winner of this prestigious annual award open to all UK chefs under the age of 25.
 
From 1992 to 1999, Darren Simpson has trained and worked with some of the greatest, including Paul Rankin's Michelin-star Roscoff (Ireland), Albert Roux's Le Gavroche (London), Sally Clarke's (London), Bibendum (London), as joint Head Chef of the acclaimed River Café (London), and Head Chef at Sir Terence Conran's Sartoria in Saville Row (London).  
 
In 1999, Darren Simpson was head-hunted to become the Head Chef of Aqua Luna Bar and Restaurant at Sydney's East Circular Quay. From 2005 – 2007, Simpson was Executive Chef and Co-Proprietor of dining hotspot La Sala set in Sydney’s fashionable Surry Hills.  Simpson moved to Sydney’s Northern Beaches in 2008 reviving the Palm Beach institution Barrenjoey House. 
 
At La Scala on Jersey, Simpson has not only conceptualised the menu incorporating all his old favourites, but worked with owner Dean Haritos to fully transform the restaurant and cocktail bar. 

Darren Simpson dares to ‘keep it simple'.  His culinary principle revolves around the unyielding belief and respect of delivering an outstanding experience to his customers.  His dishes are personally designed to reflect the freshest variety of Australian seasonal produce.  The irony of an Irish born lad that creates Italian inspired pieces is simply inspiring to see and most importantly, taste.  

Darren Simpson has not only made his mark on the Sydney restaurant scene but has also become a well known TV personality. Simpson has made regular appearances on  Channel 7’s Sunrise’ program. His other TV appearances include presiding as a judge on hit reality show, ‘My Restaurant Rules' (Channel 7) and co- presenter on popular Lifestyle Channel’s “The Best in Australia” with Ben O’Donoghue and Anna Gare.

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