Perth’s Favourite Local: Santini Bar & Grill Appoints New Executive Chef

QT Perth has announced the appointment of Andrew Barkham as Executive Chef of Santini Bar & Grill from mid-July 2021. A favourite among both locals and travellers, Barkham steps up from the role of Chef de Cuisine at Perth’s beloved dining institution to take the helm. An identity grounded in strong Mediterranean flair, Barkham will elevate Santini’s reputation in simplicity, with locally foraged produce taking centre stage.

QT Perth’s award-winning restaurant, Santini Bar & Grill, which opened with the hotel in mid-2018, has been warmly welcomed by both critics and locals since its early days.

Barkham joined the Santini kitchen earlier this year, under the careful guidance of Executive Chef Nic Wood. Like Wood, Barkham will continue to foster relationships with local growers and producers, and deliver a truly authentic experience guided by the seasons and the teachings of the land.

“I’m excited to make my mark on Santini. Taking the food philosophy and strong identity to elevate the finest produce of the region,” said Barkham.

“Over the course of the last six months I have become deeply connected with Western Australia’s local flavours and incredible produce. With my passion, drive and experience, I’m committed to delivering the very best dining experience to the local Perth community.”

Previously working alongside high-profile chefs throughout his career; the late Gary Rhodes OBE, Justin Wise, Ross Lusted and Andrew McConnell are all credited by Andrew in being instrumental in developing his career.

At The McConnell Group led by renowned Australian Chef, Andrew McConnell; Barkham gained valuable knowledge in the kitchens of Melbourne’s must-dine restaurant and eateries; Supernormal, Cumulus Inc., Cutler & Co. Dining Room & Bar, broadening his depth and understanding in large scale Asian to two-hatted dining. Prior to his experience at some of Melbourne’s best, Barkham was no stranger to hatted dining. His prior mentorship was with Ross Lusted, former Owner and Executive Chef of Sydney’s The Bridge Room, where they went from 2 to 3 Hats during Andrew’s tenure as Head Chef at the modern Australian dining destination.

Retiring his knives in order to pursue opportunities overseas, Nic Wood has made his mark across QT Hotels & Resorts, as Executive Chef across multiple properties before returning home to Perth to lead the Santini kitchen.

Wood said of Barkham’s appointment, “We’ve created a concept that celebrates food from the sun, using amazing WA produce. I have the utmost confidence in Andrew to lead Santini and deliver the abundance of flavour without all the bells and whistles, just as the ingredients were intended.”

Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch on Friday and dinner from Wednesday to Friday, the restaurant’s evening menu will continue to focus on dishes created to share, true to Mediterranean heritage.

Santini has celebrated back-to-back accolades in the prestigious WA Good Food Guide Awards, taking home ‘Best New Restaurant’ in 2018 followed by ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in the 2019.

For more information, head to: https://www.santinibarandgrill.com.au/