Meet Bill, one of Stockholm's coolest chefs. He also happens to be the husband of Ebba, the sommelier we interviewed last week. Bill is head chef at Stockholm wine bar Grus Grus, and the founder of Patois, a "modern Jamaican pop-up restaurant and community club, crafting culinary and sonic experiences." Bill has hosted pop-ups across the world, including Tokyo, Seoul & Paris. Watch out — we know BIG things are coming his way.

Can you introduce yourself in a few sentences?

Hey! My name is Bill Allison, I am a Jamaican/Canadian, hailing from Toronto now based in Stockholm. I am 31 years young, an avid thinker, explorer, creator, curious about the world and people.

What do you do for work? 

I am a full-time chef and currently the Head chef of a wine bar called Grus Grus in Stockholm. My place of work however often changes as I travel a lot for my job, doing pop ups all over the world. Beyond being a chef I am also a content creator, and I’m diving more into that as of late.

How did you get to where you are today?

I would say that I’ve been fortunate to have had a lot luck, intertwined with all the risks and hard work I've taken. Above all else I’ve put my art into the world and people have gravitated towards it, which has ultimately lead me to one place and then the next - creating a network that continues to grow, beyond the world of cooking.

What does living a good life mean to you?

For me comfort is the most important thing and that starts within my home. As long as I have a comfortable place to rest, to wind down, to create memories with my wife, then I’m living a good life. I hope to be healthy for as long as possible, to be able to stand on my feet for as long as possible and to be able to enjoy the beauty of life that comes my way, travelling, exploring, creating memories.

What’s something you wish you’d known 5 years ago?

I am a firm believer in the power of now. Everything I knew 5 years ago was what I was meant to know then. I wouldn’t change a thing about where my experiences have lead me, and focusing on what could’ve been is detrimental to growth.

Who’s someone you look up to? 

I look up to those around me, the people closest to me doing things that excite me. My friends that are djs, artists, chefs. They are my constant source of inspiration, all the things I love and enjoy in life I look to them to continue excelling at what I do.

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learnt? 

Take life at your own pace, don’t rush anything, what you are given in this moment is what you’re meant to be receiving. Trust in the universe and trust in yourself, your own intuition is your biggest asset. Remove expectations from other people, if you don’t expect anything from others they can disappoint you.

What do you dream about?

I dream about owning a restaurant. Specifically my project Patois which is a modern jamaican concept. I want a place that is a community hub, a place we play music, dance, eat good food and drink good wine. I also dream about being a father, so i guess I want to be a parent to a business and a child you can say.

What is one thing you recommend?

Put your art in the world. Doesn’t matter what you do, put it out so other people can see it, you never know when the right person will see it and where that will lead you next. I got my first head chef job from just posting my food on instagram.

What song would be the soundtrack to your life?

Not sure to be honest, I have many songs that I go to when I’m feeling something. Thank You Jah by Vybz Kartel when i’m feeling grateful, Just One of Those Days by Sizzla when I need to remind myself that things will pass, and less specific I listen to a lot of japanese jazz, old soul and funk, and afro funk, disco. Sundays are always reserved for reggae and that’s something that will never change.

Finally, give us a hotspot in your city, or a city you love!

My favourite place in Stockholm is Savant wine bar, it’s a gathering place. I always head there first to meet friends and it can become a long day there very quickly.