Big chef moves 2026: The major UK and Ireland chef changes so far

Leonel Aguirre has left Michelin-starred Mauro Colagreco at The OWO to become executive chef at Dovetale in Mayfair, leading this week's big chef moves, as Mat Sherry returns to Northcote as head chef.

This is The Staff Canteen's running record of the big chef moves across the UK and Ireland in 2026, the head chef appointments, executive chef promotions and chef patron changes at the restaurants, hotels and pub kitchens that matter to the industry.

Last updated: Friday, November 6, 2026

• Every restaurant added to The Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland in 2026
• Big restaurant closures 2026: the UK and Ireland restaurants that have shut this year

Alongside the headline appointments each week, we log the moves that tend to go unreported: promotions from within, restructures, and the departures those appointments imply.

Know about a move we have missed? Email [email protected] and we will add it.

This week's biggest chef moves

Leonel Aguirre named executive chef at Dovetale, Mayfair

Announced Wednesday, November 4, 2026 · executive chef

Leonel Aguirre has been named executive chef at Dovetale, the restaurant at 1 Hotel Mayfair, leaving the kitchen he took from opening night to a Michelin star.

Known as Leo, he joins from Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, where he was head chef from the restaurant's opening in 2023. It won a Michelin star in 2025 and kept it in 2026.

He began his career at Mauro's three-Michelin-starred Mirazur on the French Riviera, training in seasonal, produce-led cooking, before working in Argentina, Chile, France, the UAE and Singapore.

His debut menu at Dovetale draws on the breadth of European cooking. It opens with a raw bar of Carlingford oysters and Umai caviar, alongside snacks such as beef tartare on potato rösti with kale and charcoal pizza fritta with Cantabrian anchovies.

Mains include provola and bottarga risotto, steak frites, and crab tonnarelli with chilli and preserved lemon made with Cornish crab, with corn-fed chicken al mattone and barbecued monkfish for sharing.

Dovetale opened with Tom Sellers at 1 Hotel Mayfair in 2023. Tom stepped back from Dovetale this summer.

Phoebe Ulkoja named head chef at The Laslett, Notting Hill

Announced Tuesday, November 3, 2026 · head chef

Phoebe Ulkoja has taken charge of the kitchen at The Laslett, the Notting Hill townhouse hotel that is home to The Henderson Bar & Kitchen.

She brings experience across boutique hospitality and more traditional kitchens, and will focus on seasonal, ingredient-led menus and bespoke event catering built around local produce.

Her appointment is part of a new leadership team as the hotel, part of the Living Rooms collection, enters its 11th year. Scott Johnson joins as operations manager and Ana Todirica as food and beverage manager.

Owner Tracy Lowy welcomed the new team.

Tracy said: "I'm delighted to have welcomed a new leadership team. Their collective experience, fresh perspectives and shared commitment to exceptional hospitality will be instrumental in shaping the next chapter for Living Rooms."

Mat Sherry returns to Northcote as head chef

Announced Thursday, November 5, 2026 · head chef, alongside chef patron Lisa Goodwin-Allen

Mat Sherry has returned to Michelin-starred Northcote in Lancashire's Ribble Valley as head chef, working alongside chef patron Lisa Goodwin-Allen to lead the kitchens and brigade.

It is a homecoming. Edinburgh-born Mat was head chef at Northcote before leaving in May 2021 to run Number One at The Balmoral, which held a Michelin star at the time along with four AA rosettes. Number One promoted its senior sous chef, John Munro, to head chef in July 2026.

The appointment lands as Lisa marks 25 years at Northcote and the restaurant celebrates 30 consecutive years with a Michelin star. Courtney Maksymow has also stepped up from head of HR to hotel manager.

Mat said: "It's fantastic to be back at Northcote. I have some great memories of my time here previously.

"There's a real buzz around the place, with lots happening and a clear ambition for the future. It's an exciting time to be part of Northcote and I can't wait to see what we can achieve together."

Read more: Mat Sherry returns to Northcote as head chef

James Taylor named head chef at Sam's Chop House, Manchester

Announced early November 2026 · head chef

James Taylor has been named head chef at Sam's Chop House, the Victorian chop house in Manchester city centre and part of the Victorian Chop House Company.

The restaurant announced the appointment on Instagram, pointing to his background in butchery.

It said: "James has settled into the team brilliantly, and we're excited to have him on board. With a strong background in butchery and a passion for classic cooking, he brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and skill to our kitchen."

Sergei Kattai named head chef at sova, Notting Hill

Announced Wednesday, November 4, 2026 · head chef

Sergei Kattai has been named head chef at sova, the Notting Hill wine bar and restaurant whose menu draws on the cooking of the Slavic countries.

Originally from Tallinn in Estonia, Sergei spent several years as a family's private chef before joining Nobu in 2014. Over seven years there he rose to junior sous chef, then moved to Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge in 2021 and on to Zima in Soho in 2024.

He plans to give the menu a Baltic edge. Favourites including beef tartare with rye toast and cured yolk, and dark chocolate mousse with sea buckthorn, stay on.

They are joined for the colder months by king oyster mushroom gnocchi with butter sauce, smoked halibut with celeriac purée and brown butter, and apple tarte tatin with miso ice cream.

Last week, in brief

Four moves led last week's update.

Stu Deeley joined Aktar Islam at two-Michelin-starred Opheem in Birmingham, after leaving The Warwick at Mallory Court in September.

Michael Smith takes up the new role of culinary director and brand ambassador at Perle Hotels on Tuesday, November 10, after closing Michelin-starred Loch Bay on the Isle of Skye.

James Moyle was named head chef at Bonnar's, the restaurant at The Scott Hotel in Edinburgh.

And Santo Pate is now executive chef across Cocotte's five London restaurants, ahead of the opening of Bistro Cocotte in Soho.

Chefs on the move in 2026, month by month

Newest first, and a full running record of the major moves in 2026.

November 2026

• Mat Sherry - Northcote, Lancashire: Returns as head chef alongside chef patron Lisa Goodwin-Allen, who marks 25 years at Northcote, having previously led Number One at The Balmoral in Edinburgh.
• Sergei Kattai - sova, Notting Hill, London: Named head chef after roles at Nobu, Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge and Zima in Soho.
• Leonel Aguirre - Dovetale, 1 Hotel Mayfair, London: Named executive chef, joining from Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, where he was head chef from opening in 2023 and won a Michelin star in 2025.
• Phoebe Ulkoja - The Laslett, Notting Hill, London: Named head chef at the townhouse hotel, part of the Living Rooms collection, as it enters its 11th year.
• James Taylor - Sam's Chop House, Manchester: Named head chef, bringing a background in butchery to the Victorian chop house.

October 2026

• Stu Deeley - Opheem, Birmingham: Joined Aktar Islam’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, managing the chef team alongside the chef owner, after leaving The Warwick at Mallory Court in September. (Read more on this story)
• Michael Smith - Perle Hotels, Scotland: Leaves Loch Bay on the Isle of Skye, his Michelin-starred restaurant of ten years, which holds its final service on Saturday, October 31, to become the group’s first culinary director and brand ambassador from Tuesday, November 10.
• James Moyle - Bonnar’s at The Scott Hotel, Edinburgh: Appointed head chef, after a career that began at The Savoy under Anton Edelmann and took in Herringbone, Fisher in the City and The Glasshouse Hotel.
• Carlo Scotto - NoMad London, Covent Garden: Left Crazy Bear Beaconsfield, where he opened BEAR in 2025, to become executive chef across Twenty8 NoMad, Side Hustle and The Library, alongside global culinary director Josh Harnden.
• Josh Harnden - NoMad Hotels: Returned to the brand where his career began as global culinary director, after a tenure as partner and creative culinary director at Eleven Madison Park and roles including Davies and Brook at Claridge’s.
• Marek Dziedzic - Biedronka, County Durham: Opened his Polish restaurant in the farmhouse at South Causey Inn on Thursday, October 1, after leading the kitchen at Michelin-starred Hjem in Northumberland from its 2019 launch until its closure at the end of 2025.
• Frank Fletcher - Fischer’s, Marylebone: Left Quo Vadis in Soho to become head chef at The Wolseley Hospitality Group’s Viennese café, succeeding Jenson Santos.
• Jenson Santos - The Wolseley City, London: Moved from head chef at Fischer’s to lead the kitchen at the group’s City restaurant, as part of a three-way reshuffle.
• Jai Shaikh - Colbert, Chelsea: Moved from The Wolseley City to become head chef at the group’s Sloane Square brasserie.
• Nathan Chapman - The Quality Chop House, Clerkenwell: Now leads the kitchen as head chef after seven years at the restaurant, following Shaun Searley’s departure after 13 years.
• Paolo Parlanti - Osteria Panzano, Belgravia: Named head chef of Arjun Waney’s 100-cover Tuscan restaurant, opening on Friday, November 27, after leading London kitchens at Frescobaldi, Il Baretto and The Arts Club.
• Robert Bates - The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield: Promoted from executive chef, his role since 2013, to the newly created post of culinary director, and launched the resort’s Chef Academy.
• Dean Cole - The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield: Promoted to executive head chef, leading all of the resort’s kitchen departments after 15 years there, under culinary director Robert Bates.
• Jadhav Tukaram - Oorja Marylebone, London: Moved from Oudh 1722 at London Bridge to become head chef of Gobind Chona’s Northern Indian restaurant on Thayer Street, opening on Sunday, November 1, after senior roles at The Cinnamon Club and Jamavar.
• Devin Jones - The Grand, York: Moved from the hotel’s pastry kitchen to become head of cookery school, working alongside culinary director Kevin Bonello.
• Kevin Bonello - The Grand, York: Promoted from executive head chef, his role since 2023, to culinary director, as part of a wider restructure of the hotel’s food and beverage team.
• Manoj Nair - The Grand, York: Promoted to executive head chef, under culinary director Kevin Bonello.
• Kyle Lewis - Adam Handling Collection, London: Left Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at The Cumberland, where he was head chef, to become executive chef across the group’s restaurants in London, Berkshire and Cornwall, alongside chef owner Adam Handling. (Read more on this story)
• Tomasz Michalski - Holborn Dining Room, Rosewood London: Left the Georgian at Harrods, where he was head chef, to lead the kitchen at the hotel’s grand British brasserie.
• Nathan Graham - The Voyage of Buck, Edinburgh: Left his head chef role at Dùthchas in Leith, which entered the Michelin Guide in 2025, to become head chef as the West End bar and restaurant marks its 10th anniversary.
• David Lawrence - Apetito: Joined the meals provider’s new product development team as development chef, after 16 years in kitchens including Michelin-starred restaurants and a run to the quarter-finals of MasterChef: The Professionals in 2018.
• Abbie Hendren - Trindle Stores, London: Left Teal by Sally Abé in Hackney to become head chef of the new restaurant at Trindle Stores, launching in mid-October.
• Sarah Frankland - (Leaving) Pennyhill Park, Surrey: Announced she is leaving Pennyhill Park to pursue other opportunities in 2027.
• Angel Zapata Martin - Brindisa, London: Left Grupo Mambo in Ibiza, where he was executive chef, to become chef director at Brindisa Tapas, working with founder Monika Linton and managing director Kelly Richardson.
• Ben Tish - Cubitt House, London: Stepped down as chef director after five years to become chef consultant at the Young’s-owned pub group, continuing to shape its food and support new openings. (Read more on this story)
• Francesco Vacca - TOZI Restaurant and Bar, Victoria: Promoted to head chef after more than nine years in the kitchen, under executive chef Maurilio Molteni.

September 2026

• Josh Hughes - Updown Farmhouse, near Deal: Left his head chef role at two-Michelin-starred Hide and Fox in Saltwood to become executive chef, alongside chef proprietor Oli Brown and head chef Jake Norman. (Read more on this story)
• Jorge Paredes - Milk Burger, Notting Hill: Joined as executive chef of the new burger and champagne restaurant on Westbourne Grove, having been head chef at OMA in Borough Market when it won a Michelin star.
• Santo Pate - Cocotte, London: Appointed executive chef across the French rotisserie’s five London restaurants and the forthcoming Bistro Cocotte in Kingly Court, Soho, after senior roles at Chotto Matte and Norma.
• Mark Greenaway – Langley Castle, Northumberland: Joined as the castle's first culinary director, overseeing Josephine's, the Pavilion and the Drawing Room, having run Grazing by Mark Greenaway in Edinburgh and Pivot in Covent Garden.
• George Ormond – The Barbary Notting Hill, Westbourne Grove: Left his head chef role at Lita in Marylebone to become executive chef, having earlier held a Michelin star as head chef at Angela Hartnett's Murano.
• David Waters – Burgh Island Hotel, South Devon: Left his head chef role at St Michaels Resort in Falmouth to become head chef, overseeing the hotel's kitchens, having earlier been sous chef at two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac.
• Peter Gray – Fable at The Crazy Bear Beaconsfield: Joined as head chef, leading the new restaurant that replaces the hotel's English Restaurant, in his first named role since leaving Heston Blumenthal's The Hind's Head in Bray in 2024.
• Charlie Tayler – The Poet, Farringdon: Left Aulis London in Soho after six years as head chef to become executive chef across the pub's four floors, alongside Honey Spencer, Charlie Sims and Spencer Large. (Read our interview with Charlie here)
• Mark Catchpole – Aulis London, Soho: Joined as head chef, succeeding Charlie Tayler, under Simon Rogan and global executive chef Oli Marlow, having spent three years at Roganic in Hong Kong. (Read more on this story here)
• Stephen Terry – Sant Ffraed House, Abergavenny: Returned to the kitchen as head chef, three years after the closure of The Hardwick, which he ran in Abergavenny for 18 years.
• Colin Nicholson – Mingary Castle, Kilchoan: Stepping down as chef patron after six seasons, with a final day of Monday, November 2, 2026, as the business seeks new owners; next move not yet announced.
• Francesco Dibenedetto - Claude Bosi restaurant group: Returned as culinary director, overseeing Brooklands by Claude Bosi and Josephine, having left Brooklands in November 2025. (Read more on this story here.)
• Brayden Davies - The Box Tree, Ilkley: Promoted from head chef to chef patron and joined the restaurant's ownership, as it reopens after refurbishment.
• Peter Dantanus - Burnt Orange, Brighton: Left his head chef role after five years; next move not yet announced.
• Stu Deeley - The Warwick at Mallory Court, Warwickshire: Left his executive chef role after just over a year. Has since joined Opheem. (Read more on this story here)
• Ellie Shaw - Sohaila, Shoreditch: Left her head chef role at The Clink in Brixton, where she worked for almost eight years, to become head chef, succeeding Doug Rolle.
• Doug Rolle - Fat Macy's: Left his head chef role at Sohaila, Shoreditch to move into a new role within the group's catering arm, as Ellie Shaw succeeds him.
• Pietro Massano - Kitchen Table, London: Promoted from senior sous chef to head chef, working alongside chef patron James Knappett.
• Micky Addy - The Rupert Brooke, Grantchester: Returned as head chef, having previously worked at Restaurant Alimentum, Cambridge and The Plough in Coton.
• Robbie Jameson - MAD Restaurant Group: Promoted from head chef at Alta to group executive chef, also now overseeing Moi and Room 86 in Soho. (Read more on this story)

August 2026

• Fergus Coyle - Outlaw House, Poole: Left his executive chef role with the Rick Stein Group to join Nathan Outlaw as executive chef.
• Ross Bott - Seton's at Meldrum House, Aberdeenshire: Left his head chef role at Monachyle Mhor, Perthshire to become executive chef.
• Byron Franklin - Ancient Shepherds by Mark Poynton, Fen Ditton: Left Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall, Norwich after its closure to become head chef, filling the gap left by Chris Lee.
• Chris Lee - The White Horse, Badwell Ash: Left his head chef role at Ancient Shepherds by Mark Poynton in Fen Ditton to become head chef and a partner at the Suffolk country pub near Bury St Edmunds.
• Ahmed Abdalla: Announced on Instagram that he is leaving his role as head chef of Legacy, the fine dining restaurant at The Grand in York. Next move not yet announced.

• Tyler King - Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick: Left Michelin-starred Condita in Edinburgh to become head chef at the five-star hotel on the Dumfries and Galloway coast, whose restaurant holds three AA rosettes.
• Simmie Vedi - Leafe, Bristol: Left her role as head of food at Chapter in Cardiff to become head of customer success and relationships at the compliance app, stepping out of kitchens altogether.
• David Kelman - Hyll, Charingworth: Left Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire to become executive chef at the North Cotswolds hotel, after more than two decades across country house kitchens including Ellenborough Park and Thyme.
• Mark Abbott - Margaret's, Cambridge: Left Aqua Shard in London after little over a year to become executive chef, returning to the city where he spent 14 years at Midsummer House. Co-founder Sam Carter and head chef Seb Mansfield remain. (Read more on this story)
• Matthew Hurry - The Cumberland, Marble Arch: Left The Angel Inn to lead the kitchen across the hotel's food and beverage offering, including its Spanish tapas restaurant Lírica.
• Stefano Tortelli - Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen, The Cumberland: Left Bulldozer Group, where he was brand executive head chef, to become head chef, succeeding Kyle Lewis.
• Kyle Lewis: Left his role as head chef of Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen at The Cumberland, where Stefano Tortelli succeeds him. Next move not yet confirmed.
• Mark Poynton - Ancient Shepherds by Mark Poynton, Fen Ditton: Resigned as chef patron and director of Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall in Norwich to focus on his Cambridge restaurant, Ancient Shepherds by Mark Poynton. (Read more on this story)

• Nathan Cornwell - The Woodcote, West Sussex: Left The Silver Birch in Chiswick, which closed earlier this year, to become chef director, alongside founders Glen and Asta Manchester.
• James Golding - The Larder House, Bournemouth: Joins as a partner after spells with The Pig hotel group and Rockwater, working alongside owner James Fowler.
• Matt Noonan - The Larder House, Bournemouth: Arrives as head chef from Michelin-starred and rosetted kitchens in Hampshire and the New Forest, under new partner James Golding.

Read more: Interview with James Golding and Matt Noonan on their move to The Larder House

July 2026

• Abismael Urena Castillo - Arcus Rooftop Bar and Restaurant, Bloomsbury: Left Wagtail in London, having previously cooked at Le Gavroche, to become head chef ahead of the venue's opening.
• Brian Scanlan - JA Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort, Glasgow: Left Cameron House on Loch Lomond to become executive chef.
• Fabien Spagnolo - Sune, Hackney: Left Bar Crispin in Soho to become head chef at Sune, replacing Frank Guest. Co-founders Honey Spencer and Charlie Sims remain.
• Alex Payne: Left his role as chef patron of Sorrel in Dorking following the restaurant's closure. Next move not yet announced. (Read our interview with owner Steve Drake on why he shut Sorrel)
• Scott John-Hodgson - Solstice and House of Tides, Newcastle: Promoted from head chef to executive chef across both sites. Kenny Atkinson remains chef patron and creative director. (Read more on this story)
• Chris Denney - Ronnie's, London: Becomes executive chef after a career taking in Chavot, Viajante and 108 Garage.
• Jamie Keeble - Chef's Table at Swinton Estate, North Yorkshire: Left Michelin-starred Mýse in Hovingham to become head chef from September, under executive head chef Steve Darou.
• Fai Choi - Hakkasan Group, UK: Left Mora in Hong Kong to become research and development chef for the UK.
• Grigoris Thanasis - Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO: Moves across from Saison within the same hotel to become head chef.
• Guy Betteridge - Park Hyatt London River Thames: Joins as executive chef.
• Shaun Searley: Announced he would leave Quality Chop House in London after 13 years to develop his first solo project.
• Charlotte Vincent - The White Hart, Wiveliscombe: Became head chef at the Somerset pub owned by Telegraph restaurant critic William Sitwell, having previously worked at Burgh Island Hotel in Devon.