Born and raised in Yorkshire, Charlie Lakin our Michelin Star chef developed a passion for cooking as just a wee boy inspired by the kitchen antics of Mum and Gran.

After training at Yorkshire Coast College, he gained experience as Head Chef at the tender age of just nineteen. Superseding this Charlie went on to further hone his skills under the tutelage of Michelin star chef Andrew Pern. Together they crafted and cooked the Star Inn at Harome into becoming the first Michelin starred pub in Britain.

Over the course of his career Charlie has focused on continuously refining his culinary skills drawing inspiration from those fond family kitchen memories and the timeless techniques he learned at local Yorkshire restaurants and college.

Driven by a desire to explore new culinary horizons, he relocated to South Africa, where he opened his restaurant, Meraki, in the bustling area of Hillcrest.

An African food-fling, Charlie combines his European training with a borderline obsession for locally sourced and foraged ingredients, using only the freshest, most flavourful ingredients from the beautiful surrounds within which he cooks.

At Meraki, Charlie has distinguished himself as some kind of food wizard leaving a lasting impression of tasty twists and sensory seductions on the pallets of his diners.

With Charlie’s innovative, unrivalled, and somewhat eccentric approach to cooking, he fuses traditional techniques with modern flair to create dishes that are distinctively extraordinary and truly unforgettable. A master of his craft, he is able to coax flavours and textures from his ingredients that few others would even dare attempt. Bold yet delicate, an inimitable frenzy of contrasting taste sensations.

A passionate forager, he spends much of his time exploring the charming Hillcrest area, seeking out the freshest herbs, fruits, and vegetables to incorporate into his dishes. Charlie also works closely with local farmers and suppliers, building strong relationships to ensure that he always has access to exceptional ingredients.

Despite his many accolades and accomplishments, Charlie remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the kitchen, always searching for contemporary and inventive ways to delight and surprise his guests.

At Meraki, diners are treated to a culinary experience unlike any other. Every dish a reflection of Chef’s passion and commitment to excellence.

Works of art, seemingly too good to eat.

Until you do.

For the food flirt with a flavour fetish, Meraki is a dining affair not to be missed.