Peter Sheldon’s culinary odyssey started within the halls of The Brisbane Club, where he initially worked Front of House. Amid the lively kitchens and skilled chefs, a passion for cuisine blossomed, compelling him to embark on a journey that would draw him ever closer to the realm of food. A pivotal figure emerged in the form of Rick Stevens, his former head chef and mentor, who expertly steered Peter’s apprenticeship towards an unwavering pursuit of culinary excellence.

Kindling his fervour, cooking competitions and tournaments provided the spark that set his passion ablaze. Following a transformative four years as a chef in London’s Mayfair, Peter returned to Melbourne, assuming the mantle of Sous Chef at the European. In 2015, he moved to the position of Head Chef.

Among the symphony of dishes he creates, he enjoys crafting offal and seafood creations, aligning seamlessly with the European’s seasonal offerings. Peter humbly attributes his culinary evolution to the supporting embrace of his community of culinary comrades and friends. They serve as luminous guides in the tumultuous whirlwind that is the culinary universe, infusing his journey with insight and direction.​

His kitchen’s core ethos mirrors the tutelage he once received from his mentor, echoing those invaluable lessons to his apprentices. The philosophy of reciprocation fills his culinary space, enabling him to give back what was so fundamentally granted to him in his formative years. “You’re only as strong as your weakest chef” runs true to how Peter operates his kitchen, working collaboratively with his staff to produce the most high-quality final dish. Nurturing inspiration and meeting challenges head-on are his cherished roles beyond the kitchen. The tender guidance of his wife, Katherine, and his two children, Maddy and Evie, shapes his artistry at home, where he orchestrates culinary masterpieces for a household of pescatarians and vegetarians. Their preferences stretch the limits of his creativity, urging him to look outside his usual scope of offal delights and explore uncharted territories.