Jeff Piper

Jeff Piper was born in WA and commenced his apprenticeship in December 1973 with Noah’s Restaurant Canberra. In the 70’s it was one of Canberra’s premier restaurants he was the only Australian working there. The mix included several different Europeans. Jeff discovered new delights like freshly ground coffee - first thing in the morning, staff meals he’d never heard of and wine that didn’t come from the Swan or Hunter Valley! It was a great education.

On completion of my apprenticeship in 1976 he commenced studies in Hotel Management while working nights as a waiter at Noah’s. In 1977 he continued studies at East Sydney and Ryde TAFE while working with Southern Pacific Hotels as a Duty manager and Functions manager. Jeff returned to Canberra in 1979 as Assistant banquets manager at The Lakeside International Hotel. With a keen interest in wine he worked at Charlie’s restaurant in Canberra. Here Jeff started to gain an interest in the wines of Europe.

During the mid 80’s and early 90’s Jeff travelled extensively.

More recently he spent time working at the Village Chef and Artespresso before opening Anise in 2001. Anise has been awarded in the restaurant and catering awards best new restaurant in 2002 and best formal Modern Australian in ‘03, ‘04, ‘05 and ‘06, best wine list in ’03 and’04 and ‘06 and ACT restaurant of the year in 2003. They have also maintained a 3 wineglass rating in the prestigious Tucker Seabrook winelist of the year for the past 3 years being the ACT winner on 2 occasions.

Jeff continues to travel whenever he can, and finds it to be the most inspiring way to stay fresh and creative in an industry he has spent close on 35 years.