As the first restaurants to open at The Island Quarter, it was only right to have a Nottingham born-and-raised chef at Cleaver & Wake and Binks Yard. We’re proud to have Laurence Henry as Chef Patron, leading the team at both restaurants and setting the standard for what’s to come.

He began his career in London, working as a chef de partie for Gordon Ramsey and later, Jason Atherton. Laurence then spent time working in France, cooking as a private chef before making his return to the UK in 2014.

In 2017, he came back to Nottingham having secured a position working at two-Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains, proving his skill and dedication and working his way up to sous chef.

His diverse culinary training demonstrates the breadth of his ability, which was highlighted in his winning of 2018’s Masterchef: The Professionals, where he became one of the youngest winners at the time.

The first restaurants from Laurence Henry are now open, with menus showcasing his talent, experience, and passion for food.

Working alongside Laurence in operating the kitchen at Cleaver & Wake, is a fellow former Masterchef: The Professionals contestant, Chef Hira Thakur, who is the Head Chef of Cleaver & Wake.

Hira developed his flair for food and cooking whilst growing up in the Himalayas, and moved to the UK in 2013 to pursue this passion.

He has worked at a variety of restaurants across Nottingham, including World Service, Restaurant Six, and The Old Vol, earning his first head chef role at the latter.

Hira is excited to be leading the talented team of chefs and fully embraces the challenges that fine dining brings.

Together, Laurence and Hira are confident in guiding their diversely trained, handpicked chef team, to produce the very best dishes and create a memorable experience for their diners.