Paradise Soho: Charith Priyadarshana goes from kitchen porter to head chef after a decade in London

A chef who started life in London as a kitchen porter has gone to heading up a new restaurant in Soho within a decade.

Charith Priyadarshana, 32, grew up in a small village outside Colombo, Sri Lanka and flew to London in 2010 to embark on his career with the help of his brother, who paid for the flight.

He developed a keen interest and flair for fusion cooking while working as kitchen porter, eventually being promoted to junior chef at the Lord’s Cricket Ground restaurant, Lord’s Tavern.

He later met first-time restaurateur Dom Fernando, teaming up to run supper clubs around the capital. They opened the 32-cover Paradise on Soho’s Rupert Street earlier this month.

“I came here for opportunities and I have had them… I would not have got this chance in Sri Lanka. London gives you opportunities,” Mr Priyardashana said.

The menu offers Sri Lankan sharing plates based on family recipes, influenced by British, Portuguese, Malay, South Indian and Dutch cuisines.