Born in Canada and raised in New Zealand, Anna studied business management before venturing out into the world of food.

Anna first trained as a chef under Fergus Henderson (St John) in 1992 at his first restaurant venture, The French House Dining Room. She then worked with Peter Gordon (The Providores) in 1994 at Green Street and again in 1998 at The Sugar Club, Soho. She also spent a year in Melbourne, Australia working for Stephanie Alexander as well as stints in New Zealand.

In 2001, Anna, Peter Gordon and partners opened their award-winning Marylebone restaurant, The Providores. Awards included the prestigious Catey's "New Comer of the Year Award" 2003, two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence in 2002 through 2005, and Square Meal 'Best New Restaurant Award', autumn 2001. Anna also acted as consultant chef to the award-winning Michelin starred New York restaurant PUBLIC.

In 2005 Anna left The Providores to focus on developing The Modern Pantry which opened its doors to critical acclaim in August 2008. Since opening, The Modern Pantry has gained 2 AA rosettes from 2008 through 2012 and been listed as a "Bib Gourmand" in the Michelin Guide 2009 and 2010. In 2010 Phaidon published "Coco", a book showcasing 100 of the world's top up and coming chefs of which Anna was one. In 2011 Anna’s first book ‘The Modern Pantry Cookbook’ was published to critical acclaim and she was awarded an MBE in the 2012 New Year’s Honours List for her services to the restaurant industry.

Anna's culinary philosophy is driven by the desire to please and excite the palate by renewing everyday cooking with modern ingredients and global inspiration; The Modern Pantry, in fact.

Candi Giacchetti, General Manager

A second generation South African, Candi was raised by her Italian family and brought up to value the importance of good food and wine, together with good company. In fact, some of her fondest memories are of coming home for lunch from school to be served whole roast pigeons and wet polenta by her grandmother.

From a young age food was her main focus and given her background, it is not surprising that Candi chose a career in hospitality. Having lived in the UK since 1996, her passion and love for all things culinary is evident in her career choices. Her management includes London’s highly popular The Chiswick Restaurant (General Manager), the 4 Star The Zetter Hotel(Food and Beverage Manager), and at Michelin Starred The River Café (Manager).

Having teamed up with Anna at The Modern Pantry in 2008, their working relationship, and their combined passion for food and wine, has brought out the best in each other. Here, Candi has found her home away from home.

Dougal Spratt, Events Manager

Dougal started his career in the restaurant industry working for the inspirational & hugely respected Sally Clarke at her eponymous restaurant in Kensington before moving to Joe Allen in Covent Garden.

After a few years in the west end Dougal moved within the company to Orsino, their west London offshoot where he spent 10 years in various roles until it closed in 2003. He then joined the management team at the newly opened Zetter Restaurant where he worked alongside Candi Giacchetti and first met Anna through the original head chef there.

He came to The Modern Pantry very shortly after it opened in August 2008.

Rob McLeary, Head Chef

Having always had a passion for food, Rob started his career with placements in a variety of restaurants until he met Anna in 2008. After just one shift in The Modern Pantry’s kitchen he was won over by the exciting style and Anna's philosophy on cooking.

Now Rob is head chef of The Modern Pantry and continues to enjoy his time here and benefits from a strong working relationship with Anna.