Duke’s Hidden Secret is the hot spot in town for a drink with friends on Friday and Saturday nights.

Vintage furniture, strings of retro lights and a big screen showing black and white movies complete the snug space.

A Secret Supper runs on Sundays from 12.30pm with live music acts every other week.

Downstairs Barrafino head chef Luke Needham puts together the tasty tapas and share plates for Duke’s Hidden Secret.

Having grown up in Albury, Needham started at Barrafino in late 2016 when he returned to the Border from Melbourne.

Needham plied his trade in New Zealand and Canada after he did an apprenticeship at the Newmarket Hotel in East Albury in 1998.

He also worked at Mount Buffalo Resort, Nelson Bay, Attunga Alpine Lodge, Falls Creek, Dunk Island and St Kilda restaurant Cafe Di Stasio.

At Barrafino, Needham focuses on contemporary and traditional tapas as well as share plates and mains.

What's your favourite winter dish?

Lamb ragu

What's your favourite season?

Winter

What are the staples in your pantry now?

Saffron, smoked paprika, polenta, quinoa, green leafy vegetables, kale, eggs and flour.

What is your earliest cooking memory?

My James Fallon High School food technology teacher encouraged me to go in a school cooking competition in the Myer City Centre in 1995. I won, which determined my career.

Which ingredients do you grow yourself?

I’m quite a big gardener. I’m putting in a food forest; it’s a Japanese-themed edible garden with water features. I’ve got a green house at Table Top for my seed collection but have bought a place in East Albury.

Which six people would you invite to dinner?

Allan Murray, Carly Murray, Miranda Needham, Sammy Murray, Ryder Murray, Harlow Murray and I have a brand new niece Vallie Murray. (I’m also a big fan of TV chef Paul West.)

What is your favourite foodie ritual?

My favourite thing to do is make flat bread. I’ve got my own sourdough starter and it’s relaxing to make bread on my days off.

What are you bingeing on TV? If anything.

River Cottage Australia

What did you have for dinner last night?

Lasagne

What are you drinking at the moment?

Green tea