MEET THE TEAM

Chef Restauranteur - Melanie Brown

Melanie Brown is a dynamic force in the culinary and wine worlds, renowned as the chef, restaurateur, and award-winning sommelier behind Brixton's celebrated Laundry. Her journey began in pastry, evolved through pioneering the UK's first 100% New Zealand wine list, and culminated in her recognition as Cuisine Magazine's 2025 Global Ambassador for Women in Food & Drink. Brown's unique blend of Swiss heritage, European influences, and a bold New World sensibility defines her approach, creating not just restaurants but experiences rooted in honest cooking, exceptional hospitality, and a deep commitment to provenance and quality

Executive Chef - Samantha Harvey

Sami started her career in her home city of Sydney, as the fireworks went off at millennium, Sami was serving to the masses! Sami started her chef apprenticeship under the watchful eye of Anthony Musarra at the Park Hyatt Hotel, Sydney.

Having completed her apprenticeship, Sami moved to the UK to continue her culinary education at The Castle Hotel, Taunton. What was supposed to be a 2 week Michelin stage ended up as 2 years working under the direction of Richard Guest, with Sami working her way through the ranks of the kitchen. 

In 2007 Sami returned to Sydney to work with Lovaine and Adam Humphrey and was privileged to be a part of the opening team for fine dining British Restaurant Arras. In 2012 Sami headed back to the UK to Divertimenti Cookery School, progressing to cookery school manager, curating and managing a large selection of cookery classes and events over three sites with guest chefs including Chantelle Nicholson, Peter Gordon, and Sabrina Ghayour.

In the Spring of 2020, Sami transitioned back to her first love, working in the kitchen full time as our Sous Chef, quickly progressing to Head Chef, and then Executive Chef in 2024; working very closely with Mel Brown, owner and founder of The Laundry Restaurant in Brixton.