SAM BUCKLEY
FOUNDER
Growing up in Marple, WTLGI creator SAM fell into cooking whilst studying art at college, starting off as a waiter before moving into the kitchen. Over the next fifteen years, Sam divided his time between cooking, touring with various bands and, after completing a journalism degree, writing. He has worked under the likes of Paul Kitching, Simon Rogan and Gary Rhodes and opened WTLGI in 2016.
JAMES GALTON
GENERAL MANAGER
JAMES has been with us since early 2020, joining the team after 12 years working in London. Originally from Winchester, he studied journalism in Nottingham and has the most charming way with words. He cooks a mean curry and spends his time off with his son Pip. As GM, James steers the ship and keeps everything running smoothly.
ANNA FROST
GROUP SOMMELIER
ANNA brings a decade of experience and joins us from a number of prestigious venues including Brawn, Hjem and L’Enclume where she honed her skills. She has been continuously named as one of the top 25 new sommeliers (Harpers) and one of Code Hospitality’s women of the year 2023.
BECCA LEWIS
RESTAURANT MANAGER
Born and raised in South Manchester, BECCA recently graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Philosophy.
With over a decade of experience in hospitality and a growing knowledge in wine. She has played netball for 18 years and currently playing for Manchester netball club in North West Prem at regional level.
Her Favourite days are summer bbqs in the garden with her dad’s cooking and mum’s G&Ts.
CALLUM HIGGINS
SENIOR CHEF
Having progressed since joining us in early 2020, CALLUM works on developing the menu with the team and providing support on any section he might be needed. He is deeply passionate about food and in his spare time enjoys visiting new cities and restaurants in his eagerness to learn. He graduated in politics from the University of Manchester and enjoys MMA.
JESS FURNISS
PASTRY CHEF
LUKE FRANKENBERGER
CHEF DE PARTIE
Luke hails from Teddington in London, and has been cooking for 2 years. He joins us from Henrock and previously L’enclume. He began his cooking career after studying Politics in Bristol, deciding to pursue his passion. In his spare time he enjoys playing rugby, gaming as well as exploring the city where he has moved to from the Lake District.
JOHN LOUGHRAN
SENIOR CHEF
JOHN joins us from a seasoned career working as a chef in London and a stint at Inver in the Scottish Highlands. Fortunately this means he is used to the cold as he mans our BBQ at the front of the restaurant. From his BBQ post, Johns is the first welcoming face that guests see on their way up the WTLGI steps. In his spare time he is also an illustrious rocker and is on bass and vocals in his band.
SHAY LEAHY
CHEF DE PARTIE
SHAY first had a taste of WTLGI at the age of 16 when he spent a week with us as part of our stagiere programme. Back at home he studied food technology at college and began working in kitchens. Returning to us a few years later, Shay has worked his way up to the hot section working on sauces, fish and garnish. He never misses going to his Nana’s on Sunday for a roast dinner back in Blackpool.
ELEKTRA OWEN
THE LANDING GARDENER
NATHAN PHIPP-MACINTYRE
THE LANDING GARDENER
Having moved to Manchester for a degree in politics and international relations, Nathan has worked in a variety of community growing projects across the city. With a particular interest in permaculture and working within the cycles of nature, he brings a passion for growing which emphasises the social benefits which come from spending time in nature. Outside of growing, Nathan enjoys foraging and exploring the countryside and hills surrounding Manchester.