With over 20 years of culinary expertise, James Knight-Pacheco has worked alongside world-renowned chefs, including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. His television appearances on the BBC have further cemented his reputation in the culinary world. We explore Knight-Pacheco’s journey, driven by innovation, mentorship and a passion for storytelling, and his responsibilities as co-founder of Group JKP, a leading hospitality consultancy firm.
Among the renowned chefs you’ve worked with, who do you consider your idol?
It’s difficult to choose just one, as each culinary legend influenced me in distinct and meaningful ways. Raymond Blanc taught me to nurture creativity while honoring the use of seasonal ingredients. Gordon Ramsay inspired me through his relentless pursuit of excellence and his passion for precision under pressure. Michael Caines showed me how elegance and simplicity can coexist in crafting exceptional dishes. Together, their combined influence shaped my approach: blending technical mastery with creativity and passion to create memorable culinary experiences. I aim to pass that ethos on to my team and projects.
What was your vision behind co-founding Group JKP and the Dubai Chefs Collective?
For Group JKP, the vision has always been to elevate hospitality by offering bespoke solutions to diverse culinary challenges. This includes conceptualizing new restaurants, enhancing operational efficiency, and curating menus that tell a unique story. It’s about continually pushing the boundaries of what hospitality can truly achieve and innovate.
The Dubai Chefs Collective, however, was created to address the need for connection and support within the culinary community. Moreover, chefs often face immense pressure, with mental health concerns sometimes being overlooked or neglected. Furthermore, our vision was to create a platform where chefs could unite, share ideas, and prioritize wellness together. It’s about fostering camaraderie while driving meaningful innovation across the industry.
Your Chef JKP Podcast has gained global recognition. What can you tell us about it?
When I launched the Chef JKP Podcast, my vision was simple: to celebrate the diverse voices shaping the global food industry. I aimed to create a platform where chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, and innovators could share their stories, struggles, and successes. It’s not just about food; it’s about the people behind it, their cultures and the journeys that bring their vision to life. Furthermore, the podcast has since become a bridge connecting different parts of the industry and I’m incredibly proud of that achievement.
As a keynote speaker at major industry events, including TEDx Talks in Dubai, what narrative do you aim to share with the hospitality world?
My goal is to inspire change and innovation. I want to encourage the industry to think beyond the plate — to embrace sustainability, prioritize mental health and understand the broader impact of hospitality. Whether I’m speaking at a TEDx event or an industry conference, my vision is to show how chefs and hospitality professionals can drive meaningful change, not just within our businesses but also in our communities. Hospitality is a universal language, and I aim to make it a force for good.
What key trends do you believe will define hospitality and F&B in the Middle East?
Three key trends are set to define hospitality in the Middle East. Firstly, sustainability as there’s a growing demand for zero-waste kitchens, locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices across F&B operations. In addition to fusion cuisine which is set to evolve in ways we haven’t seen before, blending Emirati, Asian, European and African influences. Lastly, experiential dining where guests seek storytelling, immersive experiences and connections with the chefs behind the dishes.
These trends are redefining what hospitality means in this region, and the Middle East is perfectly positioned to lead this global evolution.
What projects do you have on the horizon?
The Chef JKP Podcast will continue expanding globally, featuring more live recordings and strategic partnerships with renowned culinary events to reach wider audiences. Additionally, I envision transforming the podcast format into a television series, celebrating food and culture through engaging storytelling across different regions.
For Group JKP, the primary focus remains on international expansion, bringing our expertise to emerging markets while driving innovation throughout the Middle East. Moreover, we are exploring collaborations with global brands and local talents, developing unique dining concepts that blend tradition with contemporary culinary trends.
Looking ahead, I am actively working on a new TV series and strengthening my role as a global Middle Eastern cuisine ambassador. Furthermore, exciting product launches are on the horizon, seamlessly blending my passion for food with a commitment to health-conscious living. Ultimately, the vision remains unchanged: to inspire, create and elevate culinary experiences that leave a lasting impact worldwide.
