Originally hailing from London, Andy Wright immegrated to Australia in early 1996. He made the move to the Hunter Valley in 1997 when he took on the role of head chef at the then Robert’s Restaurant. By 2001 he was ready to take the plunge into his own restaurant and along with his wife Janet, took on The Cellar Restaurant at Hunter Valley Gardens where he remained for some 19 years. During that time he opened The Olive Tree Restaurant at Wyndham Estate where he also catered for weddings and large-scale events.

By 2018 he was looking for a new challenge and opened The Wood Restaurant at Brokenwood Wines. A change of direction came about when Covid hit and he started Pokolbin Catering Co. which catered to events of all sizes from intimate dinner parties to large-scale corporate events.

Moving to Newcastle at the end of 2022 Andy has now slowed things down and enjoys life as a freelance chef, culinary ambassador and volunteer chef at Soul Hub.

SUMMARY

Volunteer Chef Soul Hub, Newcastle (2023-date)

Chef/Owner Pokolbin Catering Co. (2020-2022)
Chef/Owner The Wood Restaurant at Brokenwood Wines (2018-2020)
Chef/Owner The Cellar Restaurant at Hunter Valley Gardens (2001-2019)
Chef/Owner The Olive Tree Restaurant at Wyndham Estate (2010-2014)
Chef/Part Owner Toby’s Coffee House at The Rothbury Estate (2001-2003)
Head Chef Harrigans Irish Pub and Seasons Restaurant at Hunter Valley Gardens (1999-2001)
Head Chef Cypress Lakes Resort (1998-1999)
Head Chef Robert’s Restaurant at Pepper Tree Wines (1997-1998)
Sous Chef Hotel Nikko, Darling Harbour (1996-1997)
Chef - Director Dining - Robson Rhodes (Stuart Cabeldu Catering, London) (1994-1996)
Chef - Director Dining - J Walter Thompson (Stuart Cabeldu Catering, London) (1992-1994)
Head Chef, The Barry Room at The House of Lords, London (1991-1992)
Chef/Owner Crumbs Catering, London (1985-1990)

Large scale catering to: Lovedale Long Lunch, corporate formal events up to 500 guests, concerts, trade shows, Opera in the Vineyards, Polo in the Vines, festivals and more.

Exclusive caterer to: Brokenwood Wines, Tallavera Grove, Tulloch Wines, Wyndham Estate and The Rothbury Estate

Non-exclusive caterer to: Scarborough Wines, McWilliams Wines, First Creek Wines, Gundog Estate, McGuigan Wines, Pooles Rock Wines, DeBortoli Wines, Tempus Two Wines, Meerea Park Wines, Pepper Tree Wines, Audrey Wilkinson, Tyrrell’s Wines, Allandale Wines, Hart & Hunter Wines, VAMP by Lisa McGuigan Wines, Tamburlaine Wines, Wine House Hunter Valley and more.