Chef Cleverson Cordeiro promoted at Adam Handling restaurant
Cleverson Cordeiro has been promoted from head chef to proprietor of Michelin-starred Frog by Adam Handling.
Cleverson has been part of the Adam Handling Collection’s flagship restaurant in London’s Covent Garden since before it opened, with the announcement of his promotion coming on the eighth anniversary of his first joining.
Explaining the decision, Adam said: “No-one really knows who’s behind Frog but, the truth is, Cleverson has always been here, even before the doors opened. He’s always pushed so hard to make every service a success and he’s never let the experience for our guests fail.
“The entire restaurant team love him and our guests who know him love him too.
“This is his reward for years of amazing dedication and achievement with us and our way to make him better known outside of the Collection.
“For me, he’s not just an incredible chef or even just a friend, he’s family.”
As proprietor, Cleverson will continue to oversee the kitchen and guest experience at Frog, while also taking on a deeper role in the business alongside Adam and the Collection’s team of directors.
This recognition marks a rare move in the UK’s high-end restaurant scene, highlighting Adam’s commitment to nurturing and rewarding long-term talent, within his restaurants, pubs and bars.
Adam Handling’s portfolio
Adam Handling MBE operates venues across the UK.
He is passionate about British food, sustainability, and fighting food waste.
Adam has a number of awards under his belt, having earnt his first Michelin star at Frog by Adam Handling in 2022 and a Michelin Bib Gourmand at his pub, The Loch & The Tyne in 2024.
Ugly Butterfly, his restaurant in Cornwall, was awarded the Trencherman’s Award for Creativity and Innovation, and his Cornish pub, The Tartan Fox, was added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
In 2025, Adam became the first British Michelin-starred chef to open up a luxury chocolate shop, just around the corner from Frog in Covent Garden.
The Scottish chef has also authored four books and made numerous television appearances including Saturday Kitchen Live, The One Show and judging on Top Chef, MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals and in 2023 was named BBC’s Great British Menu’s champion of champions.
Adam was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Hospitality and International Trade in the New Year Honours List 2024.
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