
Executive Chef Nigel Popps
We have recently welcomed new recruit, Nigel Popperwell, to the team!
Nigel, who has worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years, joins as an Executive Chef across both Urban sites.
Prior to joining the Urban group, Nigel has worked in a host of roles including: sailing around the world as a chef on the QE2, taking over from renowned chef Ainsley Harriet at the Westbury Hotel on Bond Street, as well as working within a number of hotels across Dorset where he gained a couple of rosettes for his culinary skills and expertise.
Nigel has also worked as a personal chef to a number of personalities such as, Duncan Bannatyne, Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino and the heirs of Mercedes Benz, as well as to some members of the royal family.
As part of his role at Urban, Nigel is responsible for overseeing the running of the kitchens at both sites and supporting owner, Mark Cribb, to continue to further develop the business.
Nigel said: “I love the Urban brand and everything it stands for. It’s very laid-back, but at the same time very professional. I’ve always been very passionate about using local produce and this is also an Urban passion as everything we use is from Dorset, Hampshire or the West Country. It’s great to be able to educate the rest of the team and our customers, as to where their food is coming from. We are also developing our own ‘Urban farm’, so it’s exciting to be involved with helping to grow our own produce.
“My latest project is developing the decking area at Urban Reef and I’ve just had a food station built to help cater for the increasing demand out there. My new role at Urban is already proving to be a great and rewarding challenge.”