Isabela Tavares-Vaz joins The Kensington as head chef

Isabela Tavares-Vaz has been announced as the new executive head chef at The Kensington hotel in London.

The Kensington is part of Irish family owned The Doyle Collection.

Hailing from Sao Paulo, Isabela moved to the UK in 2019, having previously worked in kitchens in Brazil.

Before joining The Kensington, she worked as executive head chef at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in London, starting out as executive sous chef.

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Prior to that, her first London position was at The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, catering to long-stay residential guests, which included a spell during lockdown.

A graduate in Culinary Arts from Senac SP, Isabela also spent a year in Israel, where she immersed herself in Arabic-inspired cuisine. On returning to São Paulo, she ran her own catering business - Sababa - from 2018 to 2019.

She honed her early culinary skills in two São Paulo-based establishments: at Restaurante 153, where she was head chef of the 120-seat venue with its international menus (2016–17);

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and prior to that, at Kaa Restaurante (2012–16), where she began as demi chef and quickly progressed to junior sous chef.

At The Kensington, Isabela will lead the culinary direction of the Town House restaurant, and also oversee the K Bar menu, afternoon tea, private and in-room dining, and event catering.

Discussing her new role, Isabela said: “The Kensington is a beautiful townhouse hotel in a quintessential part of London, welcoming a mix of local residents and international visitors.

“Our menus are rooted in seasonality and classic flavours, offering something for those seeking a relaxed meal, with the choice of a more extensive dining experience. I’m also adding a personal touch by incorporating some of my favourite ingredients and influences from my own style.”

General manager Klaus Kabelitz added: “Isabela brings exceptional talent and fresh creativity to our team.

“With her leadership in the kitchen, we look forward to continuing to enhance The Kensington’s reputation as a valued culinary destination in South Kensington.”

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