Nieves Barragan Mohacho grew up in the Basque region of Spain, in the capital city of Bilbao. Cooking with her mother from a young age, Nieves quickly understood there was an abundance of excellent local ingredients that surrounded her and a strong tradition of local cooking. Nieves joined Sam and Eddie Hart and the team at Fino two months before the restaurant was due to open in early 2003. When Barrafina opened in 2008, Nieves was made Executive Head Chef. Barrafina now has three branches in London, and in 2014 was awarded a Michelin Star. Nieves Barragan left Barrafina in 2017, to start her own restaurant, Sabor, which will open in London this autumn.