The Sugar Club has appointed Josh Barlow as the restaurant's new executive chef.
Barlow is just 30 years old, but he is already an experienced New Zealand chef who has worked abroad in multiple Michelin star restaurants.
Most recently Barlow worked as the head chef at The Grove, a modern New Zealand restaurant with a French influence. He left his position at The Grove at the end of 2017 to be with his young family.
He believes getting the job at The Sugar Club is a result of ‘right place, right opportunity’.
“I’m really looking forward to joining SKYCITY and the Sugar Club team and working with Peter Gordon. It’s going to be a fresh challenge working with Peter and learning about his particular fusion cuisine. I believe there’s lots of room to grow in this restaurant, and it’s where I want to develop my cuisine,” said Mr Barlow.
Peter Gordon, who launched The Sugar Club thirty years ago, heaped praise on the young chef’s appointment.
“When Josh’s CV came across my table, I was thrilled. It is exciting to have such a talent in Auckland, especially as he has worked in restaurants I admire both here and in the UK. Fortuitous timing has led us to soon start working together, which is going to be a lot of fun.” Peter said.
Previous executive chef, Neil Brazier, had been with The Sugar Club since it opened in 2013. He is choosing to step away from the kitchen to spend time with his family in Northland.
“I was incredibly lucky five years ago to meet Neil, who has been a hugely talented executive chef, is a fantastic sounding board, and remains a great people manager,’’ said Gordon. “I am sad to see him leave of course, but he leaves us in great shape.”
Housed on the 53rd floor of the Sky Tower, the Auckland restaurant is the fourth incarnation of Peter Gordon’s The Sugar Club.
Barlow began his role at The Sugar Club in early May, and he will play an integral part in launching the winter menu in June.
