Robin Read is Chef Owner of The Counter and is happiest when he’s cooking, crafting, creating. His passion has always been to work with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Robin has been passionate about cooking since he was 16 and first completed work experience with the Roux Brothers in their London patisserie, where he trained in 1990. His love and passion of the industry continued to grow, working and training with some of the best chefs this country has produced. He spent two years at Chez Nico under Nico Ladenis, which held three Michelin stars, as a sous chef, before working with Marco Pierre White at Mirabelle, becoming Head Chef, and retaining their one Michelin star. Robin also spent time in the kitchens at Le Gavroche (two Michelin stars) The Square (two Michelin Stars) Restaurant Paul Heathcote (two Michelin stars).

Robin oversaw six new Firmdale openings, including four hotels, a bakery and training academy, all with great success. He worked with head chefs in eight sites (UK & internationally) with over 200 kitchen staff, always ensuring the highest of standards.