For Ryan Cole, success isn’t trophies or rankings, it’s a full restaurant, a growing team and ingredients treated with respect. From catching his own fish to reshaping the meaning of a historic Cape Town landmark, the Executive Chef of Salsify is redefining what modern fine dining can stand for. In this conversation with The Knife, Cole reflects on seasonality, simplicity, inclusivity and why true confidence in cooking is knowing what to leave off the plate.

Fire, flavour and Ubuntu: Vivat Bacchus is rewriting the London dining script with braai boards, rolling biltong bars, and beef-dripping candles. This isn’t just a meal, it’s a theatrical, flame-grilled celebration of South African soul. From shared platters to nostalgic desserts, every bite tells a story. Forget fine dining, this is together dining.