HUGH ALLEN, Executive Chef

Hugh had a desire to be a chef from a young age, cutting his teeth as an Apprentice Chef with the Rockpool Group at just 15 years old, learning and developing his fundamental skills. He joined the kitchen team at Vue de monde two years later as a stagiaire, and quickly made an impression on his peers and the wider restaurant industry. 

At 18 years of age, he was awarded the coveted 2015 Gault Millau Young Chef of the Year Award, which took him across the globe and the opportunity to stage at several three Michelin Star restaurants in Paris. 

He spent three invaluable years at Vue de monde before the allure of further overseas experience presented itself, with Scandinavia at the top of his list. In 2016, he joined Rene Redzepi’s Noma, awarded two-Michelin Stars and four-time winner of the World’s Best Restaurant award. Hugh worked with Redzepi for close to three years, including the original Noma both the 2016 Sydney pop-up and 2018 Mexico pop-up and part of the opening team of Noma 2.0 which provided an unparalleled experience in working with native ingredients, techniques and cultures. 

Hugh returned to Melbourne in late 2018 as Vue Group Sous Chef, but it wasn’t long before the top job awaited him  Level 55. In early 2019, he was promoted to Executive Chef of Vue de monde. His time spent in both modern and classic kitchens has a large influence over his cooking style, being both refined and inventive in its use of unique, local and native ingredients.

HUGO SIMÕES SANTOS, General Manager

Raised in the small town of Fátima in Portugal, Hugo began working in restaurants from a very young age. His passion quickly evolved to something more serious, and after several years of hospitality studies, Hugo saw himself working in some of the world’s finest dining institutions. After impressive stints at Gordon Ramsay and Dinner by Heston in London, Hugo made the move to Melbourne, inspired by the city’s dining culture, and Australia’s wonderful produce.

“One of my biggest passions in life is that of great cuisine, and the enjoyment I get from hosting and entertaining others experiencing the same is the biggest satisfaction of all.”

DORIAN GUILLON, MS Wine Director

Starting in 2012, Dorian embarked on a journey that led him to prestigious two and three Michelin-starred establishments, such as Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester.

Fueled by his thirst for adventure and an unwavering passion for learning more about Australian wine, he set out to explore Australia and immerse himself in the local wine culture.

In October 2018, Dorian achieved the coveted title of Master Sommelier, shortly thereafter assuming the role of Head Sommelier at Melbourne's highly acclaimed Vue de monde.

Dorian's is now Vue de monde’s Wine Director and winner of Good Food Guide 2024 Sommelier of the Year. His rich and diverse background is a testament to his lifelong commitment and dedication to the art of impeccable wine service.