At The Peacock at Owler Bar, there’s a fresh, determined new face leading the kitchen – Alina Gagea, the newly appointed Head Chef. Alina’s journey has been guided by her boundless curiosity, hard work, and humility, coupled with our commitment to internal progression at Longbow Venues.

Although you wouldn’t know it at work, Alina is the sister of Group Executive Chef, Adrian Gagea, who very much keeps his roles as mentor and big brother separate. “We have boundaries,” explained Alina. “When we are at work we are colleagues. When we are out of work then we are siblings,” she smiles.

Alina and Adrian share more than just a love of food. Both were professional athletes, playing volleyball for the Romanian national team before life brought them to the Peak District. Their shared background in sports has instilled in them discipline, the importance of teamwork, resilience, and a drive to achieve.

It was Adrian who first brought Alina into the world of hospitality. After moving to the UK in 2021, Alina joined Longbow Venues as a kitchen porter at The Maynard, where Adrian asked her if she was open to giving the kitchen a try. “He said I had to be determined, open to learn and willing to work hard.” She said yes – a decision that set her on a life-changing career path.

Soaking the Pots While Soaking Up Knowledge

Starting as a kitchen porter, Alina quickly became fascinated by the world of food. Alina’s rich academic background helped her thirst for knowledge. With a Communications and Public Relations degree from the University of Bucharest and a masters in Management of High Performance Sports from the University of Craiova, she immersed herself in learning, spending every spare moment helping with prep and desserts, asking questions, and experimenting at home.

“I started watching how pastry was made, and I bought books to learn everything I could,” Alina recalls. Titles by the Roux brothers, Larousse Gastronomique, and pastry guides became her constant companions as she worked to develop her skills in work, under the guidance of her supporting team, and at home for pleasure.

Her curiosity and drive didn’t stop at pastry. “I wanted to learn every section, so whenever I had time, I’d ask, ‘Why do you do it this way?’ or ‘How can I help?’ I loved being in the kitchen, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to be there. It really set something off in me.”

A Surprise Promotion

Over the next three years, Alina worked her way up through various roles, including Pastry Chef, Chef de Partie and Sous Chef at The George in Hathersage. When The George was closed due to flooding, Alina headed back to The Maynard and helped with the opening of The Ashford Arms too. Her dedication and versatility didn’t go unnoticed. In a decision that she was not expecting, Alina was announced as the Head Chef of Longbow’s brand new venue, The Peacock at Owler Bar, opening December 11, 2024.

“Sincerely, it took me by surprise,” Alina admits. “I didn’t see it coming, but I also know how hard I’ve worked and how much I’ve grown. I’m excited for the challenge.”

Her humility and determination plus her understanding of all sections of the kitchen make Alina the perfect choice for this leadership role. “I’ve worked in so many sections, and I know how important it is to support your team. If you don’t understand their challenges, how can you manage and support them? I want to create a happy, strong team that feels proud to work here.”

Cooking with Passion and Pride

Alina’s connection to food runs deep, shaped by memories of cooking alongside her family. Her grandmother’s potato stew and apple pie remain fond food memories, while working with her brother Adrian has been another highlight.

“It’s amazing working with Adrian,” Alina says. “He is so organised, has so much experience and knowledge, and I’ve learned so much from him, especially during Chef School.”

Chef School, an initiative spearheaded by Adrian Gagea, who trained under Raymond Blanc himself, gave Alina and the team the opportunity to learn. “We did both theoretical and practical courses in everything from butchery and sauces to bread-making and menu development. It was incredibly helpful to see different techniques and perspectives. It’s knowledge I’ll always carry with me,” said Alina.

Alina also takes pride in cooking with locally sourced Peak District produce. “Seeing the quality of the ingredients we work with and welcoming the milk man with the milk, the butcher with the meat and the grocer with the vegetables makes you appreciate how local our food is and how fresh.” Alina is a huge fan of the natural beauty of her home in the Peak District and enjoys long walks through Padley Gorge, Mam Tor, and Ladybower. “When I’m out in nature I can see where our produce comes from. It’s a privilege to work with such fresh, high-quality products.”

A Vision for The Peacock

As head chef, Alina is eager to establish The Peacock as a destination for exceptional food. “Hearing guests say, ‘This tastes amazing,’ is so satisfying. Seeing their happiness is why I love this job.”

For Alina, building a strong team is the first step to achieving her vision. “What we have at Longbow is so different and so welcoming. It is important to keep that as we grow.”

“I want my team to feel confident in every section, to support one another, and to keep acquiring knowledge as we grow. When we work together, we can make The Peacock truly special.”

Book to Dine at The Peacock at Owler Bar

To sample Alina’s dishes, book your next meal at The Peacock at Owler Bar here. Opening Wednesday, December 11 at midday.