Our first Lussmanns opened as an Eatery in November 2002, just off the Portobello Road in North Kensington. While we quickly established ourselves as the locals' favourite; we also attracted builders and B celebrities alike who would rub shoulders over coffee and croissants.

Quickly earning a reputation for great sandwiches and being able to remember our locals favourite tipple, our name even reached the BBC at White City where David Bowie, unhappy with the food offering on the Jonathon Ross show, had demanded better. Lussmanns had made it big, if only for one night!

We then branched out into "food-to-go" delivered by bicycle, followed by a second "in-house cafe” at John Brown Citrus Publishing, the current publishers of Waitrose Illustrated, amongst others.

Unable to expand further but impatient to build on our early successes, after two years we decided it was time to move and left London for a new home in Hertfordshire to finally open a real restaurant!


Andrei Lussmann
@AndreiLussmann

Watch a short video about Lussmanns here

Opening night St Albans, 2004. Andrei Lussmann, Katrina Grant (Openings Manager - Kensington, Hertford & St Albans) and Tim Hope.

Andrei Lussmann

I have worked in the Hospitality sector for 19 years, initially gaining experience with companies such as Forte, Bass and T.G.I Fridays during which time I completed my Hospitality & Business degree at Birmingham Polytechnic. I then joined Pizza Express, managing some of their flagship restaurants, directing all of Pizza Express’s operations in the Channel Islands and becoming one of their International Franchise Managers.

After leaving Pizza Express, I further developed my portfolio with Fish Diner and latterly, Corney & Barrow in the City where I developed an excellent understanding of, and thirst for, good wine.

In 2002, I set up Lussmanns with the simple view that you can enjoy good ethically sourced food, served in an attractive and timely manner at terrific value for money prices.

Favourite Dish: free range chicken schnitzel with garlic & chilli linguine

Tim Hope

I am Operations Director at Lussmanns, looking after the day to day running of the restaurants and working with Andrei to build the best restaurant brand in the UK.  

Update - Jan 2012: We are preparing to say farewell to Tim, who has moved into a part-time office-based role and will leave us later this year. Tim has made an enormous contribution to the growth and development of Lussmanns since he first met Andrei back in 1996. His knowledge, expertise, humour, impressive piano playing and many other skills have all been hugely valued. We will miss him greatly when he leaves us, but wish him and Catkin all the very best as they start a new chapter of their lives in Australia.

Favourite Dish: sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice cream

Nick McGeown

I have been a chef for 25 years; working my way up from Commis Chef to Executive Head Chef at De Vere Hotels over a ten year period before joining companies like Stena Line and Hayley Conference Centres to set up and launch their flagship kitchens.

I then started my own successful gastropub in a small village in Rutland, achieving entry to The Good Food Guide and 'Pick of the Pubs' in the AA Guide - the only eatery in Leicestershire and Rutland to do so. I also completed a year's contact as Development Chef for the Meat and Livestock Commission, educating students across the UK about the importance of animal welfare from gate to plate.

In 2008, I was lucky enough to become Group Head Chef at Lussmanns, working with people who share my passion and enthusiasm for food.

Favourite Dish: Western Isles crab linguine

Adrian Podmore

I worked as an Investment Accountant for fifteen years with several fund management companies including Lazards, Citibank and Barclays. After leaving the City, I started an MSc in Renewable Energy, and I am training to become a qualified bookkeeper. Furthermore, I am involved in voluntary conservation work and managing a wood.

Favourite dish: local wild rabbit & chestnut mushroom linguine

Dick Kelly

I was formerly a Senior Executive with Access Credit cards with both NatWest Bank and the Royal bank of Scotland and was responsible for the creation and development of several business operations in these global brands. Having helped to finance Lussmanns initial project in Kensington, I remain as an adviser to this young thriving company – now with three restaurants acting as a Non Executive Director offering support and financial expertise when required.

Favourite dish: line caught smoked haddock, chestnut mushrooms, sautéed potatoes with garlic & parsley