Weather isn't everything... The U.K can actually be quite a nice country to live in, London is a place that appeals to millions all over the world, the likes of Birmingham and Manchester are also quite cool places that have a slightly international feel thanks to their student population and immigrant communities. Many Spaniards actually study in the U.K for a few years then go home too, as for chefs all over the world; they tend to be happy to work anywhere and often relish the opportunity to work in foreign countries and learn about different culinary traditions, especially those that prefer temp work to long term contracts.

In fact there's many cold or cold and wet places around that are pleasant places to live... I'd happily live in Austria or many cities in Germany, but my German is absolutely terrible, so unless there's a good reason to set up my own thing there, I can merely visit for now I think. Likewise, you might find it hard to beat the standard of living in many Scandinavian countries.