1 Michelin star chefs: Nieves Barragán Mohacho, Legado
Nieves Barragán Mohacho is the chef patron of Legado, the Shoreditch restaurant awarded one Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026.
Legado is her second solo restaurant in London after Sabor in Mayfair, and the Michelin star at Legado confirmed her ability to build another standout Spanish restaurant under her own name.
Legado’s own description calls it a “contemporary Spanish restaurant” that celebrates the diverse regional food cultures of Spain and its islands, while Michelin describes it as a “joyous” restaurant in Shoreditch where Nieves brings all her experience to bear.
Born and raised in Santurtzi, just outside Bilbao in the Basque Country, Nieves grew up around food, markets and strong regional cooking traditions.
She was introduced from a young age to the importance of well-sourced, seasonal ingredients, a foundation that has remained central throughout her career.
She has now spent more than two decades at the helm of Spanish cuisine in London, bringing that heritage into a modern context.
Early career and rise in London
Before opening restaurants under her own name, Nieves worked in restaurants across Spain and then moved to London, originally planning only a short stay.
She joined the kitchen brigade at Fino in Charlotte Street as a sous chef in 2003, became head chef four years later, and then went on to oversee both kitchens when Barrafina opened in 2008.
Under her leadership, Barrafina was awarded a Michelin star in 2013, helping establish Nieves as one of the most important figures in Spanish cooking in Britain.
By the time she opened Sabor in 2018, Nieves already had a deep reputation within the Spanish food scene in London. Sabor won a Michelin star within months of opening, an accolade it retains today.
From Sabor to Legado
Legado represents the next stage of the story for Nieves, a chapter which had been in the planning since opening her Mayfair flagship.
The concept is distinct from Sabor, with Legado focused on the lesser-told food stories of Spain and its islands rather than the more familiar reference points of Spanish cooking. The restaurant sums that up with the line: “Lo Mejor de España, Sin Cliché.”
That ensures Legado has clear identity of its own, with the food described as “nostalgia reimagined through her innovative lens” and “celebrating heritage whilst moving tradition forwards”.
Cooking style at Legado
The Michelin Guide highlights dishes such as succulent suckling pig, herb-crusted rabbit shoulder, gambas cristal and lamb sweetbreads with orzo, praising the kitchen choreography, the all-Spanish wine list and the enthusiastic service team.
Other Michelin Star Chefs
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