Big chef moves 2026: The major UK and Ireland chef changes so far
charlie Tayler has left Aulis London after six years to become executive chef at The Poet in Farringdon, one of four big moves leading this week's update, alongside Mark Catchpole's appointment as his successor.
Stephen Terry's return to the kitchen at Sant Ffraed House and Colin Nicholson's departure from Mingary Castle also feature.
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, September 18, 2026
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 tom@thestaffcanteen.com and we will add it.
This week's biggest chef moves
Charlie Tayler leaves Aulis London for The Poet
Announced Thursday, September 17, 2026 · executive chef
Charlie Tayler has left his role as head chef of Aulis London to become executive chef at The Poet in Farringdon, ending six years with Simon Rogan's UMBEL Hospitality group. Aulis, the 12-seat chef's table in Soho, won a Michelin star in 2024, and Charlie has been succeeded there by Mark Catchpole.
Charlie told The Staff Canteen: "I've been there for six years. It's quite a stint, and I'm happy and proud of what I've achieved there."
On the decision to leave, Charlie said: "This opportunity came that I didn't want to say no to."
He worked a six-month notice period rather than the four weeks his contract required to give them the best handover and transition period he could.
Charlie previously worked at Alyn Williams at The Westbury, and spent time at Simon's three-Michelin-starred L'Enclume in Cartmel while Aulis was being refurbished.
The Poet is a Victorian pub at Smithfield Market running across four floors, with a 45-seat restaurant, a cocktail bar called Shambles and a ten seat chef's table. Charlie said: "There are four floors and every floor is a different concept." He joins the project alongside Honey Spencer, Charlie Sims and Spencer Large.
Mark Catchpole joins Aulis London
Announced Wednesday, September 16, 2026 · head chef
Mark Catchpole has been appointed head chef of Aulis London, the Michelin-starred 12-seat chef's table in Soho, succeeding Charlie Tayler. He reports to Simon Rogan and works alongside Oli Marlow, global executive chef of UMBEL Hospitality, who continues to oversee the site.
Mark spent three years at Roganic in Hong Kong from March 2022, another of Simon's restaurants, rising to senior sous chef and working with Oli and head chef Adam Catterall. He has also cooked at The Fat Duck and at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London, and at Attica in Melbourne under chef owner Ben Shewry.
Mark said: "I'm incredibly excited to be working with Simon and Oli again and to take on this next chapter at Aulis London. During my time at Roganic Hong Kong, I learnt so much from them and developed a real understanding of Simon's approach to food, produce and creativity.
"It's a real privilege to be trusted with this role, and I'm looking forward to building on everything the team has created at Aulis so far."
Stephen Terry returns to the kitchen at Sant Ffraed House
Announced Thursday, September 17, 2026 · head chef
Stephen Terry has been appointed head chef at Sant Ffraed House, a wedding venue in Abergavenny, returning to a professional kitchen three years after the closure of The Hardwick, which he ran with his wife Joanna for 18 years after taking on the former Horse and Jockey pub in Abergavenny in 2005.
It was named Gastropub of the Year at the National Restaurant Awards in 2010 and placed 20th in the Top 50 Gastropubs list in 2022, before closing in 2023.
Announcing the appointment, Sant Ffraed House said: "Michelin-starred chef Stephen Terry has joined Sant Ffraed House as our new head chef.
"It's incredibly rare to find a chef of Stephen's calibre leading the kitchen of a wedding venue. Michelin-starred pedigree, some of the most respected kitchens in British and European food and more than three decades at the very top of his game."
Stephen started out at Harveys under Marco Pierre White and went on to Le Gavroche with Michel Roux Jr, earning his first Michelin star at 25. He has cooked for world leaders at the NATO Summit and appeared on James Martin's Saturday Morning and Great British Menu.
The venue said his arrival brings new menus spanning traditional dining, feasting, street food and relaxed social styles.
Colin Nicholson to step down at Mingary Castle
Announced Wednesday, September 9, 2026 · departs Monday, November 2, 2026
Colin Nicholson is to step down as chef patron of Mingary Castle in Kilchoan after around six years, with Monday, November 2, 2026 his final day. He is also stepping back from the day to day running of the business, which is looking for new owners. No successor has been announced.
Colin said: "After six wonderful, unforgettable years, I have made the decision that 2nd of November will be my final day as Chef Patron of Mingary Castle, as I pass the baton to new owners and begin a new chapter.
"Mingary has been an incredible journey and saying goodbye will undoubtedly be difficult, but I'm also excited to see what the future holds for this very special place."
Colin also used the announcement to appeal for a buyer: "If you've ever dreamed of taking on an epic adventure and making Mingary your own, I would love to hear from you. Please do reach out as the Castle is looking for a new partner to take it forward."
Mingary Castle is a restaurant with rooms on the Ardnamurchan peninsula holding three AA Rosettes. It was named Scotland's best restaurant with rooms by the AA in 2024, AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year for the UK, and won Best Restaurant Newcomer at the Scottish Excellence Awards.
Last week, in brief
Four moves led last week's update.
Ellie Shaw was appointed head chef at Sohaila in Shoreditch, succeeding Doug Rolle.
Francesco Dibenedetto rejoined Claude Bosi's restaurant group as culinary director, overseeing Brooklands by Claude Bosi and Josephine.
Brayden Davies was promoted to chef patron at The Box Tree in Ilkley and joined the restaurant's ownership as it reopened after refurbishment.
Peter Dantanus left his head chef role at Burnt Orange in Brighton after five years. And Stu Deeley left his executive chef role at The Warwick at Mallory Court. All four remain logged in full below.
Chefs on the move in 2026, month by month
Newest first, and the featured appointments above appear here too, so this stays the full running record.
September 2026
- 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; next move not yet announced. (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.
- 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.
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June 2026
- Jonny Bone: Left Core by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill after more than a decade as head chef. Next move not yet confirmed. (Check out our interview with Jonny on why he left Core)
- Will Bee - Rosina, Wandsworth Common: Left Lita in Marylebone to become head chef at Rosina, with chef patron Adam Byatt providing direction. (Read our interview with Will on joining Rosina)
- Kushal Rai - The Cocochine, Mayfair: Promoted from junior sous chef to head chef. Larry Jayasekara remains owner.
- Reif Othman - CLAP, London: Joins as chef partner from REIF Japanese Kushiyaki in Dubai.
- Steve Darou - Swinton Estate, North Yorkshire: Left the St John restaurants in London after 12 years to become executive head chef across the estate.
- Max Wilson - The Gurnard's Head and The Old Coastguard, Cornwall: Promoted from head chef at The Gurnard's Head to executive chef across both sites.
- Chris Angove - The Gurnard's Head, Zennor: Promoted from senior sous chef to head chef, under executive chef Max Wilson.
- Oliver Gardner - The Old Coastguard, Mousehole: Promoted from senior sous chef to head chef, under executive chef Max Wilson.
- Catarina Almeida - Isabel, Mayfair: Left Petersham Nurseries to become head chef.
- Chris Whitmore - The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall: Becomes head chef after cooking at Maze and with The Social Group in London.
- Owen Seamark - Lapin, Bristol: Left Heckfield Place in Hampshire to become head chef at Lapin. Jack Briggs-Horan remains executive chef and co-owner.
- Lisa Goodwin-Allen - Pearl, Mayfair: Oversees the menu at Pearl in Brown Hart Gardens, while remaining chef patron-director at Northcote in Langho.
- Pip Lacey: Left her role as executive chef at Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden after six months. Next move not disclosed.
- Jamian Lewis - Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Covent Garden: Promoted to head chef, succeeding Pip Lacey.
- Max Coen: Stepped down as executive chef of Dorian in Notting Hill after four years. Next move not yet announced. (Read more on this story)
- Zsuzsanna Toth - The Pharmacy, Bruton: Left GAIA near Berlin to become joint head chef. Merlin Labron-Johnson remains owner and creative director.
- Marc Ackland - The Pharmacy, Bruton: Promoted from within to joint head chef alongside Zsuzsanna Toth. Merlin Labron-Johnson remains owner and creative director.
- Andy McFadden: Left his role as head chef at Glovers Alley at The Fitzwilliam in Dublin.
- Adam Nevin - Glovers Alley at The Fitzwilliam, Dublin: Left The Morrison Room at Carton House in Maynooth to become executive chef, replacing Andy McFadden. The restaurant reopens in September 2026.
- Romy Gill - The Pem, Westminster: Takes over the kitchen at the Conrad London St James, relaunching it as Romy Gill at The Pem and succeeding Sally Abé. (Read more on this story)
- Chet Sharma - Gymkhana and JKS Restaurants, London: Becomes global culinary director while remaining chef patron of BiBi in Mayfair. (Read more on this story)
- Jonathan Ferguson - Brooklands by Claude Bosi, The Peninsula London: Left The French Laundry in California to become head chef. Claude Bosi remains chef patron. (Read our interview with Jonathan on why he made the move)
- Luca Natalini - Salone, Vigo Street: Left Autem in Milan to become chef and partner, with Lita owner Daniel Koukarskikh.
- Lewis Johnson - Willy's, Margate: Left The Fox and Pheasant in Chelsea to become head chef at Willy's in Cliftonville. Will Jenkins remains founder and chef patron.
May 2026
- Tom Anglesea - MOR, Cornwall: Becomes executive chef at MOR on the Carbis Bay Estate while continuing to oversee Dovetale in Mayfair. Tom Sellers remains chef patron.
- Corrin Harrison - MOR, Cornwall: Left Gwen in Machynlleth to become head chef at MOR, under executive chef Tom Anglesea and chef patron Tom Sellers. (Read our interview with Corrin on the move)
- Jack Clayton - MOR, Cornwall: Left The Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall for a senior kitchen role at MOR. Title not stated.
- Chris McClurg - Regency House, Belfast: Left Paul Ainsworth at No.6 in Padstow to open his first independent restaurant as chef patron, with Alice Stewart. (Read more on this story)
- Ian Waller - Pyr at Freight Island, Newcastle: Joins as head chef, under chef owner Cal Byerley of Restaurant Pine.
- Spencer Metzger - Chez Rose, Mayfair: Becomes chef patron of Chez Rose while retaining his executive chef role at Row on 5 on Savile Row. (Read our interview with Spencer on opening Chez Rose)
- Peter Sanchez-Iglesias - Gwen, Machynlleth: Left Decimo in London, having previously run Casamia and Paco Tapas in Bristol, to take over the kitchen from Corrin Harrison. Gareth Ward remains owner. (Read our interview with Peter on moving to Gwen)
- Matt Sampson - FIR by Matt Sampson, Hay-on-Wye: Left Ynyshir in Machynlleth to open his own restaurant as chef and owner.
- Ollie Bridgwater - TRUEfoods Ltd: Left his executive head chef role at SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel in Windermere to become head of food and innovation.
- Piero Tiddia - Murano, London: Promoted to head chef ahead of the restaurant's reopening in September. Angela Hartnett remains chef owner.
April 2026
- Marta Sandini - Lardo, London Fields: Left Hiša Franko in Slovenia to become head chef.
- Simon Ulph - Rowan at Rothay Manor, Cumbria: Left The Stafford London in Mayfair to become head chef at Rowan in Ambleside.
- Dom Chapman - The Jack O'Newbury, Binfield: Becomes chef-partner with restaurateur Nigel Sutcliffe, while staying on at The Crown at Burchetts Green. (Read our interview with Dom about the new venture)
- Matthew Tomkinson - The Jetty, Harbour Hotel Southampton: Joined as executive head chef from The Terrace in Yarmouth.
- Stéphane Petit - Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, London: Promoted to executive chef. He continues to work alongside chef patron Jean-Philippe Blondet rather than replacing him.
- Paola Arenas - Decimo at The Standard, London: Takes charge of the kitchen after Park Hyatt and Mandarin Oriental roles in the Middle East, succeeding Peter Sanchez-Iglesias.
- Patricia Roig - Barrafina Group: Left BOCA in Dubai to become international executive chef, a newly created role.
- James Lovatt - Moor Hall, Aughton: Promoted from head chef to executive chef after seven years. Mark Birchall remains chef patron.
- George Martin - Moor Hall, Aughton: Returns from Frantzén and FZN by Björn Frantzén, stepping up from development chef to head chef. Mark Birchall remains chef patron.
- Steven Edwards - Nyetimber Estate, West Sussex: Becomes executive chef at Nyetimber while remaining owner of etch. in Hove.
- Sam Carelli - Bank House, Chislehurst: Become executive chef. Formerly worked at Le Gavroche.
- Ben Taylor - The Woodspeen, Berkshire: Left Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park in Wiltshire to become head chef.
- Charlie Dilworth - Silva, Mayfair: Steps up from senior sous chef at Lita in Marylebone to head chef at Silva.
- Andy Appleton - Caffè Rojano, Padstow: Left Waterside in Flushing to become head chef. Paul Ainsworth remains chef-owner, with John Walton as culinary director.
- Robbie Jameson - Alta, Soho: Left Humo in London to become head chef at Alta, replacing Rob Roy Cameron. (Read our interview with Robbie on leaving Humo to join Alta)
- Lewis Welburn - Ynyshir, Eglwysfach: Left Forge at Middleton Lodge in North Yorkshire to return to Ynyshir as head chef. Gareth Ward remains chef patron. (Read more on this story)
- Theo Clench - IGNI, Mayfair: Becomes executive chef at IGNI on St George Street, the site formerly occupied by Humo, after Akoko and Cycene. (Read our interview with Theo on launching IGNI)
March 2026
- Kostas Papathanasiou - Lita, Marylebone: Left three-Michelin-starred Frantzén in Stockholm to become culinary director, having joined in November 2025 following Luke Ahearne's exit.
- Jihun Kim: Left his role as executive chef of Somssi at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair weeks after winning a Michelin star. Next move not yet announced.
- Ollie Moore - The Ship, Bishops Sutton: Returns to service after four years away, becoming head chef at The Ship. Previously at The Black Rat in Winchester. (Check out our feature with Ollie here)
- Kyle Lewis - Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen London, The Cumberland: Left The Savoy to become head chef.
February 2026
- Orry Shand - Falls by Orry Shand, Aberdeenshire: Left Entier in Scotland to open his own restaurant on Royal Deeside as owner and chef patron. (Read our interview with Orry on his new restaurant)
- Sid Ahuja: Left two-Michelin-starred Gymkhana in Mayfair as chef director, having risen there from head chef. His next move is set to be to Australia.
- Shogo Amamoto - Sushi Amamoto London, Mayfair: Brings his Taipei restaurant to London as executive chef patron, taking over the former Taku site. Existing head chef Jongho Park is retained.
- Ben Miller - Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, London: Promoted from sous chef to head chef, succeeding Pierre Minotti.
- Sally Abé - Teal by Sally Abé, Hackney: Opens her first solo restaurant as owner and chef patron, after leaving The Bull in Charlbury. (Read more on this story)
- Pierre Minotti - Orrery, Marylebone: Left Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal to become executive chef, relaunching the restaurant as Orrery by Pierre Minotti. (Read more on this story)
- Kevin Scanlan - SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel, Windermere: Joins as head chef.
January 2026
- Adam Tooby-Desmond - Trivet, Bermondsey: Left Dinner by Heston Blumenthal to become head chef at Trivet. Chef-owner Jonny Lake and co-founder Isa Bal remain. (Check out our feature with Adam)
- Robert Aikens - The St Regis London, Mayfair: Left Thomas Franks to become executive head chef ahead of the hotel's mid-2026 opening. (Read more on this story)
- Arnaud Donckele - Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Oxfordshire: The chef behind La Vague d'Or in Saint-Tropez and Plénitude in Paris becomes culinary director.
- Raymond Blanc - Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Oxfordshire: Moves to an ambassadorial role as Arnaud Donckele takes over the kitchen. (Read more on this story)
- Rani Raimondi - Levan, Peckham: Becomes head chef after spells at The Clove Club in London and Prosper in Marseille, under co-founders Mark Gurney and Matt Bushnell.
- Dominic Teague - Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch: Left One Aldwych to become executive chef, overseeing outlets including Coreus by Clare Smyth.
- Sally Abé: Stepped down as head of food at The Bull in Charlbury.
Tell us about a chef move
Moved kitchens, got a promotion, or know someone who has? We would rather hear it from you than read it second-hand. Email tom@thestaffcanteen.com or send us a message on social.
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