Barry Véra arrived in Australia May 2001 from the United Kingdom where he worked for some of the world’s best restaurants and chefs. Véra trained in France and has worked under great names like Marco Pierre White and Conran Restaurants.

Barry has won various awards in his travels and notoriety, also being listed as being one of the icons of Australian food by Vogue Entertaining and Travel.

He has spent time in France, Canada, London, and Cape Town South Africa, and five years ago arrived on Australian soil as executive chef of the acclaimed Mansion Hotel. He has now opened his first restaurant, Véra Restaurant Cafe & Bar in Brighton, Melbourne.

Véra Restaurant Cafe & Bar opened on Valentines Day 2006 to great reviews and has acquired a loyal following. Barry’s French provincial menu gives a taste of simplicity, as said by John Lethlean in “The Age”, 28 March 2006 “It is a nostalgia trip to France that every Aussie who ever visited the place likes to think is still there.” - Croque monsieur, pate with brioche; Pissaladière, steak frites, Cassoulet, Cafe de Paris butter, creme brûlee. And also the classics, Escargot, Steak Tartare, French onion soup, Pithivier and soufflé.

Barry always wanted to create a place where people can come to spend time together. To share a good story or two, and enjoy good food, wine and quality service. This is what he has set out to do with Véra, to provide an atmosphere where people can feel at home. But to put it as simply as the French do,
I’l est au sujet d’apprécier et de partager la bonne nourriture à tout moment
It’s about enjoying and sharing good food at any time.

He also has a TV series Feast through SBS and Foxtel. The first in this series, Feast India, is currently being shown in 60 countries around the world. His second series Feast Bazaar that has just been filmed in Morocco and Syria has just been sold at the Cannes TV Festival in France, worldwide. In 2005 Barry released his first book The Home Cook through Hardie Grant publishers, and is currently working on his second book based upon his TV series.

Barry has been guest chef at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the Good Food and Wine Shows, and various charity events including the Think Pink Breast Cancer Foundation. He has made guest appearances on television including: Channel 7 Sunrise, Channel 10 with Iain Hewitson, and Channel 9 Fresh.