Pavyllon London head chef Benjamin Ferra y Castell steps up to executive chef role

Benjamin Ferra y Castell has been appointed executive chef of Yannick Alléno London, taking responsibility for the culinary operations across the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane.

about Yannick

Holding a total of 16 Michelin stars across his 17 restaurants around the world, Legendary French chef Yannick Alléno opened his debut London restaurant, Pavyllon at the Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane in 2023, gaining his Michelin star for the London restaurant in the 2024 Michelin Guide.

From a young age, Yannick was immersed in the bistro run by his parents, and it was his grandmother who taught him to cook. By age eight, he'd set his sights on becoming a chef.  Embracing the culinary heritage handed down by Auguste Escoffier, Yannick takes the fundamentals and transforms them to create his own unique interpretation. 

Benjamin's background

Benjamin is a highly skilled culinary talent who has honed his craft in renowned kitchens in France, America, Mexico and Switzerland.

Born in Angers, in the Loire region of France, Benjamin grew up in a family with a strong restaurant background. He began cooking as a teenager after enrolling in cookery school at sixteen, inspired by his grandmother’s skill and hospitality.

In 2018, he was headhunted by the Yannick Alléno Group for their seafood brasserie, 101 Dining Lounge, in Dubai’s One&Only hotel and five years later he was asked to head up the new opening of Pavyllon London.

Situated in the heart of London's exclusive Mayfair district, Pavyllon offers an elegant and sophisticated setting that perfectly complements its culinary offerings. The restaurant's interior exudes timeless luxury, with modern touches that create an inviting atmosphere for guests.

The menu at Pavyllon showcases a contemporary interpretation of French gastronomy. Each dish is meticulously crafted using the finest seasonal ingredients, sourced from trusted suppliers who share the restaurant's commitment to quality and sustainability.

Critics and diners alike have praised Pavyllon for its innovative approach to French cuisine and the impeccable execution of its dishes.

Under the leadership of Benjamin, Pavyllon continues to push the boundaries of gastronomic creativity, offering guests an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the artistry of French cuisine while embracing the vibrant energy of London's culinary scene.

Working with Yannick 

Since relocating to the UK for the launch of Pavyllon London in 2023, he played a central role in defining the restaurant’s identity, guiding it to a Michelin star just six months after opening.

Benjamin also helped deliver a number of high-profile projects for the group, including the Battuta summer pop-up, Pavyllon’s widely recognised breakfast service and the Counter Culture chef series developed alongside Yannick and visiting culinary talent.

Reflecting on the promotion, Yannick said Benjamin brought creativity, precision and a strong commitment to excellence to the London operation. 

He added: "Benjamin truly embodies the spirit of the Yannick Alléno Group. His creativity, precision and unwavering commitment to excellence are exceptional. I am thrilled to see him continue shaping our London offering, inspiring the teams with his energy and vision."