A HEAD chef who switched career from fashion to food after a family tragedy has been named one of London’s brightest rising restaurant stars.

Florence Knight, 26, pictured, who runs the kitchen at Soho’s Polpetto, is one of “30 under 30” nominated by restaurant guide and website Zagat and tipped to dominate the capital’s future culinary scene.

Ms Knight revealed how a twist of fate made her decide to pursue her true passion at the age of 19.

Her father David was killed in a car crash and the money she inherited — and his philosophy to “be the best you can” — allowed her to fund her training as a chef, abandoning a fashion degree.

She said: “He was an incredibly amazing father. We had a great relationship but he was quite tough on me, in a positive way.

“In kitchens you have to be able to deal with being teased and bullied, told you’re crap. You have to have the right personality and go back again and again.”