A Peckham local who gave up a life of crime to pursue a career as a chef is opening a permanent residency at one of the postcode’s trendiest pubs.
Nathaniel Mortley, AKA Natty Can Cook, was stabbed at the age of 16 and in 2019 served time at HMP Brixton, but started cooking at inmate-run restaurant the Clink and immediately found his calling.
Now, Mortley is taking on a position at the Greyhound pub on Peckham High Street, bringing a menu of Caribbean classics, some with a significant twist, and all prepared with French techniques.
Mortley’s menu includes BBQ black cod with coriander and roasted corn, rice and peas arancini, soft shell crab, and plantain cake with white chocolate and lime.
The chef grew up metres away from the Greyhound and was encouraged to start a career there by family members who were desperate for him to stay at home. He went on to cook at the Shard and City Social, Jason Atherton’s former restaurant.
“The mission is to open a charity, starting here at The Greyhound, which will help to employ ex-convicts and help them turn their life around,” said the chef, “because there’s not a lot of opportunity for people when they come out.
“I know the power hospitality can have to help achieve your goals and dreams having been through The Clink project at HMP Brixton, and of those others who have also participated, 87 per cent of them haven’t turned back to crime again. We’ll be working closely with The Clink to begin with, sourcing our chefs directly from the project, and with time, our mission is only going to get bigger.’
The historic pub The Greyhound reopened its doors in Peckham in March 2024 under the direction of the team behind East London mecca for dance music, The Cause.
The venue is split over two floors and hosts DJ nights, quizzes, karaoke, live sports and darts alongside craft beers and ales.
