We are so proud to work with Gianni, our Head chef who has been with us since the beginning in 2019 and is a fundamental part of our 1620 family.

Gianni has Italian parents but he grew up in the Midlands and then moved to Plymouth. His Dad is from Sicily and his Mum is from Puglia, Italy.

Have you always loved cooking? Both my parents would cook and I was surrounded by cooking and food from an early age. Eating and cooking is a huge part of Italian culture, so it was inevitable that I would cook.

How did you get into cooking? I actually fell into cooking by accident, when I was 22, I was a carpenter and was helping fit a bar at Mimmo’s Restaurant in Plymouth and he asked me if I wanted to cook for him instead, and I said yes!

Where else did you work? I had my first head chef role at Green lanterns, serving traditional English dishes, I also worked in other Plymouth restaurants including Fanny’s Bistro and the Lobster Pot.I was a British Rail chef for 7 years, and was the first chef who was allowed to create his own menu. I also worked at Old Mother Hubbard’s in Yealmpton and spent a number of years at Newton Ferrers Yacht Club before joining 1620.

Have you cooked for any famous people? Lots over the years, especially on the trains! I’ve cooked for Charlie Watts from the Rolling Stones, Mr Wrigley’s himself from Chicago, the politician Sir Douglas Hurd, Dawn French and her then husband, Lenny Henry.

What do you like to cook for yourself? A really simple pasta dish, making fresh pasta with semolina and 00 flour, with a fresh simple cherry tomato, onion, garlic, chilli and basil sauce.

Who’s your favourite person to cook for? Zena, the owner of 1620, because she loves my food!

What interests you most about food? I’ve always been interested in plants, food and ingredients. I’ve made my own cheese, a little like Parmesan using milk from a local farmer. And I used to get sheep’s milk from a local farmer and made cheese like pecorino. I also make my own plum liqueur wine in a still.

Why should people come to the Italian night this Friday at 1620? It’s going to be a fun night with the full flavour and atmosphere of Italy. I’ll be cooking an authentic menu of traditional tasty dishes. If you love great Italian food you don’t want to miss it!