A Peckham chef who went from drug-dealing and prison to finding fame on social media for his culinary talents is now about to open his own restaurant in Herne Hill.
2210 by Nathaniel Mortley is opening on 22 October and will specialise in Caribbean fine dining, following on from his hugely successful run as the head chef at the Greyhound pub in Peckham last year.
Nathaniel – known as Natty Can Cook on social media – was locked up in HMP Brixton in 2019 where he was serving time for drug offences. Whilst inside, he quickly got a job at the prisoner-run restaurant The Clink after they saw what he could do.
Since his release four years ago, Nathaniel, who was Michelin-trained before going to prison and had worked in some of London’s top restaurants, has found viral fame on social media with an Instagram following of more than 53,000.
For seven months he ran the kitchen of the Greyhound pub in Peckham, which led to him being tipped as “One to Watch” in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 UK Top New Restaurant Awards.
At the Greyhound Nathaniel specialised in Caribbean fine-dining which will also be the focus of 2210, serving pan-Caribbean food drawing on Bajan, Jamaican, and Guyanese traditions and inspired by French techniques.
Signature dishes include Ackee & Saltfish Spring Rolls, Jerk Chicken Supreme, and Wiri Wiri Lamb Rump, with prices varying from around £11 for most starters to between £22-34 for a main course.
“I want to create a space that’s welcoming to all, and that also celebrates Caribbean food on the same level as the best fine-dining cuisines in the world,” said Mortley.
He described feeling “really excited” to be opening his first restaurant so close to where he grew up in Peckham.
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“It represents coming full circle for me. I’m thrilled to have a permanent home to share my vision of Caribbean gastronomy, and to challenge people’s perceptions and stereotypes of Caribbean cuisine, while also honouring my grandmother who was so important in my journey to being a chef.”
The 30-year-old was imprisoned back in 2019 for drug offences and served two and a half years inside. “I was dealing drugs – party drugs, on the side whilst I was working in hospitality,” he told the News in a 2024 interview, expressing that it was due to discrimination at one of the restaurants he worked at that he lost his passion for cooking and fell into crime.
Nathaniel trained at Lewisham College and his first job at 18 was cheffing at Oblix at The Shard. He had been encouraged to go into hospitality by his mum after he was stabbed at the age of just 16, who was worried about his future and wanted him to pursue cooking to keep him out of trouble.
He explained to us at the time that many people mistakenly believed he learned how to cook in prison – an incorrect assumption, as he had already been Michelin trained and worked for some of London’s top restaurants.
Beyond the food, 2210 will continue Mortley’s commitment to social impact through his work with The Clink helping ex-offenders gain careers in hospitality.
He claims prison “saved his life” by reminding him of his talents, and is committed to helping other young men coming out of prison to get on the right path.
Address: 75 Norwood Road, London SE24 9AA
Opening times (from 22 October):
WED – THU: 5PM – 9:00PM
FRI: 5PM – 11:00PM
SAT: 12PM – 11:00PM
SUN: 12PM – 9:00PM
Website:. 2210bynattycancook.com
It’s always good news, when you read of someone using their skills and talents to turn their life around.
Moving from a negative start to a promising future; and becoming an excellent example to younger generations; all the more power to his elbow.
May his enterprise flourish and grow; and, who knows, maybe to become The Next Telly Chef!