About Johnnie
Having worked in the catering world for over twenty years, Johnnie Mountain finally found his true vocation in 1994 when he started working in restaurant kitchens and instantly knew that’s where he belonged. In 1995 Johnnie worked as Sous Chef at Café Dell Ugo before going on to work with Alastair Little. He then joined The Vine in Kentish Town which resulted in his demons being pushed to the hilt.
Struggling on to The Fat Duck in 1997, followed by his role as Head Chef at Zilli Fish and stints at the Mirabelle almost saw the collapse of this tormented chef. Sobriety hit in 2000 - the start of a new Millennium and a new life for Johnnie. He opened his first restaurant Mosaica@the Factory in Wood Green, and has since gone on to open his latest venture, The English Pig, a restaurant in the city where he is now a permanent fixture.
Representing the North West 2010's Great British Menu on BBC2, Johnnie proved himself to be a charismatic and entertaining personality! Other TV appearances have included Make Me Happy for STV. He has been the ambassador for Nintendo's Wii cookery game and has demonstrated his culinary skills alongside some of the country's other top chefs at Taste London. Johnnie has recently started a 'Schools Food Council' at Noel Park Primary School as nutrition in schools is something that Johnnie is passionate about. He will begin catering for the school in April 2011.
On reviewing Johnnie and his restaurants, Charles Campion notes “It’s a pretty tall order given the competition, but even among chefs, Johnnie Mountain could be considered seriously eccentric”. Johnnie continues to enjoy life with his wife Manjri and their two children.