Meet Heidi Stiller: Head Chef at The BBQ Club
A taste for the extraordinary
Heidi’s love for food started young. While most children gravitated towards chicken nuggets and chips, Heidi had a more refined palate. One of her earliest food memories is telling her mother she wanted something off the main menu rather than the kids’ selections. Her choice? Mussels in a garlic cream and white wine sauce. It was clear from the start that she had a taste for good food.
A culinary pathway
Her entry into the culinary world was almost serendipitous. She first worked for a close family friend, assisting at supper clubs and pop-ups. What started as an opportunity to help out quickly became a deep-rooted passion. Heidi found herself immersed in an industry she loved, and her talent and dedication propelled her forward, eventually landing her the esteemed role of head chef at The BBQ Club.
Inspired by the best
When it comes to inspiration, Heidi looks up to chef and Michelin stared restaurateur Mike Robinson from the Harwood Arms. She admires his deep understanding of produce and his skill in using wild ingredients. His commitment to hunting and foraging aligns with her own belief that true quality is best understood when experienced firsthand.
The perfect meal
Every chef has a go-to meal that brings them comfort, and for Heidi, it’s a no-brainer. If given the chance for a last supper, she would choose a classic roast leg of lamb with all the trimmings. A dish rich in tradition and flavour, it encapsulates everything she loves about food: warmth, heartiness, and a sense of home.
A dream dinner party
If she were to host the ultimate dinner party, Heidi’s guest list would be nothing short of entertaining. She’d invite TV personality Jeremy Clarkson, TV presenter Alison Hammond, country music legend Dolly Parton, and the ever-quirky Carl Pilkington. With such a diverse mix, the conversation would be nothing short of brilliant. To complement the gathering, she’d serve a family favourite, her Nan’s Irish stew, a dish she cherishes for its deep flavours and nostalgic ties.
Favourite London dining spots
When dining out, Heidi gravitates toward restaurants that offer variety. Her favourite place to eat in London is San Carlo Cicchetti, where small Italian plates allow her to sample a bit of everything. She loves tasting menus, as they push diners out of their comfort zones and introduce them to new flavours they might not have chosen otherwise.
Highlights from The BBQ Club’s menu
At The BBQ Club, Heidi takes great pride in crafting dishes that leave a lasting impression. One of her standout creations on last year's BBQ tasting menu was the Chalk Stream Trout. She describes it as ‘a stunning dish with unbelievable ingredients’ that look and taste gorgeous and was a favourite among diners.
On the street food menu from last year, Heidi’s personal favourite dish was the blistered tomatoes from Nutbourne Nursery. Grown in heated glass greenhouses using hydroponics, without the use of insecticides or pesticides, these tomatoes are, in her opinion, the best in the country. She pairs them with a soft Greek flatbread and creamy Stracciatella for a simple yet perfect combination of flavours.
A Chef with Passion
Heidi Stiller’s journey in the culinary world is driven by passion, curiosity, and a love for high-quality ingredients. As head chef at The BBQ Club, she continues to push the boundaries, creating unforgettable dining experiences for food lovers.
With her deep appreciation for flavours, dedication to quality, and innovative approach, Heidi is looking forward to welcoming you to the BBQ Club when we open again in April.
