Mark Tolentino is the new head chef at Launceston Place

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor

Mark Tolentino has been named head chef at 3 AA Rosette Launceston Place in Kensington, joining chef patron Ben Murphy at the helm of the D&D London restaurant

Mark started at the D&D flagship as a junior sous-chef five years ago, and has worked his way up through the ranks to secure the role.

Ben shared the news on social media, saying he was "delighted" to announce the promotion, promising "big things to come."

🚨Announcement🚨

I am delighted to announce that Mark has been promoted to Head Chef @LauncestonPlace

Joining me as Junior Sous Chef & working with me for 5 years I am thrilled for him to grow into this new role with us,

Big things to come & this is just the beginning 💫 👊🏼 x pic.twitter.com/8BWWVfP7IV
— Ben Murphy (@benchef123) March 16, 2022

First opened in 1986, Launceston Place has seen many a great chef come through its kitchens, from Rowley Leigh and Tristan Welch, who relaunched it in 2008, to Tim Allen and Raphael Francois.

Having worked at The Greenhouse, Per Se, Eleven Madison Park, Epicure in Paris, Michel Guerard and Koffmann's at the Berkeley, Ben Murphy was only 25 when he took on his first head chef role at The Woodford, which he launched with the backing of Essex-based restaurateur, Steve Andrews, in 2016.

The following year, he was offered a head chef position at Launceston Place, where he was promoted to the role of chef patron last year - on the same year as he competed on BBC Two's Great British Menu.

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