Luke Headon took on the new role of Group Executive Chef at LK Hospitality late last year, and now steers the menu at Melbourne restaurants including Omnia Bistro & Bar, Yugen Dining, Yugen Omakase and Nidaime to name a few.
From his Byron Bay culinary beginnings, to a nine-year stint living and working in the UK, Headon has earned his stripes at Michelin-star venues such as The Pipe and Glass Inn, South Dalton, Yorkshire (2010-11), Restaurant Marcus Wareing (2011-12), The Fat Duck, Bray (2012-15), and at Chef Tom Sellers’ Restaurant Story in London (2015-18).
Upon his return to Australia, he continued on his culinary path at CBD restaurants Society and Lillian Brasserie.
Luke Headon talks to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
I’ve lived in Melbourne a few different times over the years and each has been a very different experience. As of now, I really enjoy the accessibility Melbourne has to surrounding nature and country. It’s a nice mix of ocean/bay, ranges, forest and plains which allows you to enjoy city life but within an hour have the opportunity to experience so much more.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
It would have be a meal I ate in Copenhagen – a Langoustine dish at Restaurant Jordnear which changed my life. I still think about it most days.
FAVOURITE BAR
I do love to sit at City Wine Shop if I’m in the CBD. It has a little bit of an old Melbourne feel which I like. I’m usually sitting on a glass of Pinot or a selection from their mystery wine specials.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Old Fashioned – pretty self-explanatory.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
It sucks, but some form of exercise or sweating it out.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
I really enjoy sitting at the window counter at Pellegrino 2000 enjoying a negroni.
OVERSEAS BAR
Bar Termini London, it’s a must.
FAVOURITE WINE
I enjoy Pinot Noir and that’s usually my go to for wine, if I’m out to dinner, I like to start with a Gruner Veltliner.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Dominique Portet, great setting especially on a sunny day and a little less manic as some of the bigger wineries. The rosé and shiraz are very good.
NEXT DESTINATION
Japan, looking forward to checking out the alley bars and finding some hidden gems.
