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

The Staff Canteen

Editor 6th November 2026

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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

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

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.

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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.

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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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