 Ladenis is a self-taught chef, and did not attend any culinary schools.Whilst working at his restaurant Chez Nico in Dulwich, London in 1976 or 1977 he met fellow chef Michel Roux at a party, who arranged for him to work for a week at the three Michelin star Moulin de Mougins under Roger Vergé.In 1989, he opened a bistro-style restaurant in Pimlico, London, called Simply Nico.