One of the UK's most exciting emerging chefs, Ronnie is the chef-owner of Bench, a neighbourhood bistro and natural wine bar in Sheffield which opened in October 2020 with business partner Jack Wakelin. He has also appeared at food festivals such as Meatopia and Kantina.

Having worked across the country, Ronnie settled in Sheffield where he met friend and business partner Jack. Initially working together at Public, a cocktail bar in the city where they won ‘Observer Food Monthly Best Place to Drink in the UK’ and ‘World Class Magazine’s Best Bar Food in the UK’, it was from here the pair conceived Bench and in October 2020 opened their doors.

Bench began as a pop-up, hosting events in some of their favourite Sheffield independents, including florists, coffee shops and design studios. Focusing on communal dining, open-fire cooking, natural wine and cocktails, all of which still play a major role today.

A self-trained cook, Ronnie takes inspiration and influence from all over, but his food has a natural Italian and Sicilian curb due to his family background and upbringing.

Ronnie and Jack opened their second restaurant, Pearl at Park Hill, in Sheffield in September 2023.