Angel Zapata Martin has announce he has left Barrafina

Alex South

Editor

Angel Zapata Martin has announced he has left Barrafina appointing Antonio Gonzales Milla and Francisco ‘Paco’ Jose Torrico as the group’s two new executive chefs.

Before joining Barrafina, Angel worked at Santi Santamaria’s three Michelin-starred Catalan restaurant Can Fabes as well as Ossiano in Dubai, as well as the internationally recognised Hofmann School and its one Michelin-starred restaurant.

He has also previously worked in Ibiza, San Tropez, Mégeve and London as a private chef.

Commenting on his departure and the two new appointments, Angel said: "Paco and Antonio are the perfect duo to take the reins at Barrafina. They know the culture and the values inside out, deliver food and experiences of the highest level and are warm, kind-hearted people."

He added: "Working alongside with Sam Hart for the last six years has been such an honour. His vision and care for his business is something to admire, and contributing to that has been one of the best professional experiences in my career. I’ve enjoyed every second of my time at Barrafina, Parrillan and Bar Daskal, and am now lucky to count Sam and so many of the Harts Group team as friends for life."

As executive chef, Angel has helped steer the restaurants and his teams through the challenges brought about by Covid and a cost-of-living crisis. Angel has also helped steer the restaurants and his teams through the challenges brought about by Covid and a cost-of-living crisis.

Commenting on the chef’s departure, Barrafina’s Sam Hart said: "We are very sad to see Angel go after an amazing time at the helm of Barrafina, Parrillan and Bar Daskal. Over the 6 years he has been with us he has overseen the opening of five restaurants, delivered amazing food and inspired a generation of chefs. We look forward to watching the next steps in his career and wish him all the best for the future."

Taking the mantle from Angel will be two executive chefs, each covering half of the locations in order to provide a deeper engagement with the teams and the culinary offering.

Both Antonio Gonzales Milla and Francisco Jose Torrico have risen through the ranks of the Barrafina kitchens for over six years.

Whilst each will have their own patch they will work in partnership to develop the quality, consistency, and innovation at Barrafina, together.

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A post shared by Angel Zapata Martin (@angelzapata_xef)

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