An award-winning executive chef who has etched his name among Jamaica's finest culinarians. Distinguished by his trademark black rimmed glasses, Chef Lumley's culinary prowess goes far beyond appearances, with a rich reserve of dedication and creativity fuelling his success. Renowned for his humility, warmth, and impeccable work ethic both inside and outside the kitchen, he stands out as a respected figure in the culinary industry.
From an early age, Chef Lumley displayed a creative vision and ambition to open hisown restaurant, drawing inspiration from the renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay. True to his aspirations, at just 26 years old, he founded "689 By Brian Lumley," which quickly became one of Jamaica's most beloved restaurants, earning critical acclaim. Despite its successful two-year run, Chef Lumley eventually left the restaurant business behind to explore new culinary horizons.
His journey took him across oceans, with stints in Doha, Qatar, and St. Georges, Grenada, and currently a growing footprint across the African continent. Over the years, Chef Lumley has been honoured on numerous occasions for his outstanding accomplishments, solidifying his place among the culinary elite.
Notably, he became the youngest chef to be awarded the prestigious "Chef of the Year" title at the Taste of Jamaica competition, securing the honour twice, first at the age of 21 and then at 25. Additionally, he joined forces with the Jamaica national culinary team, winning a team gold medal and a personal bronze at the Taste of the Caribbean competition in 2009. The following year, he received the Hans Schenk prize for "Most Innovative Use of Caribbean Ingredients" and a personal silver medal at the same competition.
In 2013, Chef Lumley reached a pinnacle in his career by winning the esteemed "Caribbean Chef of the Year" award at the Taste of the Caribbean's regional culinary showcase, marking a significant achievement for a Jamaican chef since 1999. Most recently (2025) he has been honoured by The Best Dressed Plate as a Trailblazer Chef of the Year: Caribbean Region. This momentous recognition solidified his position as a true culinary prodigy.
Outside of the kitchen, Chef Lumley passionately lends his voice and support to various fundraising efforts, including events like the Heart Foundation of Jamaica'sannual Simply Red, the Shaggy and Friends Benefit Concert. Most recently, he collaborated with the World Central Kitchen and the Sean Paul Foundation oninitiatives that provided aid and meals to families affected by the devastating hurricane Melissa. Through his involvement, both on site and across global media, Chef Lumley went a step further by establishing the Ubuntu Outreach. Inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu which means “I am because you are”, the initiative provides aid to hard-to-reach communities affected by the hurricane.
Chef Lumley is recognised thought leader who shares his expertise and experiences as a regular speaker at national vocational institutes, infirmaries, and numerous private foundation activities. Continuing to operate in excellence, Chef Lumley completed his American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef (CEC) course, and he was among the first cohort of chefs participating in the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) - Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation program.
Looking ahead, he envisions a bigger educational role, particularly in working with children and young people, aiming to instil in them an appreciation for Jamaica's rich biodiversity both on land and in the sea. His goal is to promote beneficial dietary habits through education, dispelling myths that hinder people from fully embracing a healthy lifestyle without drastic diet changes. Ever the trailblazer, Chef Lumley collaborates with beloved brands like MAGGI Jamaica, elevating their culinary profile and delighting generations of consumers with a blend of innovation and taste.
As a corporate chef, Brian Lumley's journey is a testament to his exceptional skills, boundless creativity, and unwavering dedication to the culinary arts,and his future is set to leave an indelible mark on the world of gastronomy.
