Nathan Toleman is one of Melbourne’s most influential hospitality figures, having helped shape the city’s modern café and dining culture over the past 25 years. As Founder and Chairman of The Mulberry Group, he has created a portfolio of much-loved venues including Higher Ground, Top Paddock, The Kettle Black, Liminal, Hazel, Dessous, Heide Kitchen, Lilac Wine, Square One and Molli. His venues are known for thoughtful design, approachable food and a strong sense of community. Nathan’s career began with a Diploma of Hotel Management from William Angliss College, followed by senior hotel roles in Cairns and six formative years living and working in Japan. He later worked as a hospitality design consultant before opening his first café, Apte, in Alphington, which he largely designed and built himself. Its success paved the way for a series of venues that went on to redefine Melbourne’s café scene and influence operators globally. In 2014, Nathan became an early investor and co-owner in Lune Croissanterie, helping founder Kate Reid scale the business from a single store into one of Australia’s most celebrated bakery brands, now operating nationally and recognised worldwide for its precision, craft and design. Alongside commercial success, Nathan is deeply committed to social impact. In 2018, he founded Common Ground Project, a regenerative farm and not-for-profit that provides food security, education and employment pathways for women and young people from asylum seeker backgrounds. To date, The Mulberry Group has donated over one million dollars to support the project’s work. Today, The Mulberry Group operates nine venues and continues to expand, including Farinata in Camberwell and a major multi-venue hotel partnership at Hannah Street Hotel in Southbank. In 2024, Nathan co-founded Mulberry Partners with Monique Lane, offering end-to-end hospitality consulting for developers and hotel owners. Nathan’s leadership is grounded in empathy, authenticity and connection. Hands-on and purpose-driven, he continues to build hospitality businesses that create memorable experiences while delivering meaningful impact for people and communities.