Image: H.E. José Pizarro became the first Spanish chef to be decorated with Officer’s Cross of the Royal Order of Isabel La Católica at the Spanish Embassy in London at a celebration to mark his 25th year in the UK.
Chef, author and broadcaster José Pizarro was bestowed with the Officer’s Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella The Catholic at the Spanish Embassy in London in March 2024, recognising his role as an ambassador for Spanish gastronomy in the UK, at celebrations to mark his 25th anniversary as a chef in London.
Caballero del Vino Español since 2021, José described himself as being “overcome with emotion” when His Excellency, The Ambassador of Spain, Mr José Pascual Marco surprised him with the decoration at an event in London. As for his 25-year milestone:
“I am one of the luckiest chefs alive! I am so proud of what I have created and the incredible team I have around me. I have seen and learnt so much since being here; it’s amazing to think how my simple little idea of owning a tapas bar that reminded me of home has somehow grown to 7 restaurants around the world with around 200 employees. My ethos was and always will be: the best ingredients I can get my hands on paired with simple flavours in a relaxed setting with unbeatable service.”
Originally from a small village outside Cáceres, Extremadura, José Pizarro studied dentistry before re-training as a chef, working under Julio Reoyo at El Chapín in Madrid and becoming head chef of his Michelin-starred Mesón de Doña Filo. He moved to London in 1999, starting out at Gaudi, then moving to Eyre Brothers in Shoreditch before becoming the Executive Chef at Brindisa. In 2011, he opened his first restaurant José on Bermondsey Street, offering simple and traditional tapas. His restaurants now include José Pizarro at the Royal Academy, José Pizarro Broadgate, Pizarro, and José Pizarro The Swan Inn, while he has also published six Spanish cookbooks and is a regular face on UK TV. Earlier this year, José opened his first restaurant outside the UK: José by Pizarro, at the Conrad Hilton in Abu Dhabi.
Granted by the King of Spain and the Grand Chancellor, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic is a Spanish civil order of chivalry and honour granted to persons and institutions in recognition of extraordinary services to Spain or the promotion of international relations and cooperation with other nations.