Nieves grew up in Bilbao, the largest city within the Basque region of Spain, learning from an early age about the regions produce and cuisine.

Nieves moved to London in 1998, starting in the kitchen at Simply Nico, before joining the Harts Restaurant Group in 2003. In 2007 Nieves became the group’s Executive Chef ahead of the launch of the first Barrafina restaurant on London’s Frith Street. As Executive Chef of Barrafina for ten years, Nieves oversaw the launch of two further Barrafina restaurants (Adelaide Street/Drury Lane) and in 2014 was awarded a Michelin Star. In 2018, Nieves was awarded her own Michelin Star for Sabor.