Bernice Kariuki’s remarkable journey from hotel kitchens to the Arsenal training ground began with a chance encounter that changed her life forever. The Kenyan-born chef, who became the first-team private chef at Arsenal in 2021, credits Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for opening the door to her dream job.
Before joining the Premier League giants, Bernice spent years honing her culinary skills at some of London’s top hotels, including The Lanesborough, The Dorchester, and The Waldorf Hilton. Her experience was both challenging and rewarding. She described The Dorchester as “the worst, yet the best, hotel in the world” — a place of intense pressure, where chefs started early and never knew when they would finish. Despite the grueling workload, she gained invaluable experience, mastering every menu and developing the precision and discipline required in fine dining.
Her breakthrough came at a penthouse gathering frequented by football stars, where she was tasked with preparing lamb biryani and other Kenyan-inspired dishes. Among the guests was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, then a striker for Arsenal. When he tasted her food, he asked to meet the person who had cooked it. Expecting criticism, Bernice was nervous — only to be surprised when Aubameyang told her that the dish reminded him of his mother’s cooking.
Deeply moved by the authenticity and warmth of her flavors, Aubameyang offered her a position as his personal chef on the spot. At the time, Bernice was struggling financially and juggling multiple jobs, but this opportunity marked the turning point in her career. She accepted immediately, unaware that this chance meeting would soon lead her to the Emirates Stadium.
After working as Aubameyang’s private chef, Bernice later joined Arsenal’s backroom staff in 2021, becoming the first-team private chef responsible for the players’ meals and nutrition. Her role involved preparing tailored menus for match days, recovery sessions, and travel — ensuring the team maintained top performance levels.
Bernice’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of unexpected opportunities. From humble beginnings in Kenya to cooking for some of football’s biggest names, her journey reflects determination, talent, and the value of staying ready for the right moment to shine.
