Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen London hires head chef & GM
Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen London has appointed a head chef and general manager ahead of its highly anticipated UK launch at The Cumberland Hotel.
The Cumberland Hotel, owned by Clermont Hotel Group, confirmed that Santino Cicciari will take on the role of general manager, with Kyle Lewis joining as head chef.
The restaurant will open in April 2026, with bookings now available.
The opening marks the first UK outpost of the globally recognised Hell’s Kitchen brand, which has already launched in cities including Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Miami, Washington D.C. and Ibiza.
Leadership team confirmed ahead of April opening
Santino Cicciari brings more than 20 years of experience across luxury restaurants and five-star hospitality in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Known for his hands-on leadership style and operational focus, Santino has previously held senior roles with brands including The Ivy and San Carlo Group.
Speaking about his appointment, Santino said: “Hell’s Kitchen is a globally recognised brand with an electric atmosphere and a loyal guest base.
“I’m delighted to join the team and look forward to driving the next phase of its growth while continuing to deliver the outstanding hospitality the restaurant is known for.”
Joining him in the kitchen is Kyle Lewis, most recently head chef at The Savoy.
With nearly two decades of experience, Kyle’s career has spanned Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, three-Michelin-starred Per Se in New York and a number of Michelin-starred and multi-AA Rosette hotels across the UK and Europe.
Kyle said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, The Cumberland Hotel. The energy, ambition and calibre of the team are extraordinary, and I look forward to bringing my passion for fresh, bold cooking to a restaurant with such a strong identity and loyal following.”
Pedro Da Silva, general manager of The Cumberland Hotel, added: “Santino and Kyle bring exceptional calibre, deep industry expertise and a shared commitment to delivering world-class hospitality.
“Their leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at The Cumberland Hotel, and we’re delighted to be welcoming them to the team.”
A high-energy London stage for Hell’s Kitchen
Designed as a theatrical, high-energy dining experience, Hell’s Kitchen at The Cumberland will occupy a 7,500 square foot space within the hotel, accommodating more than 200 covers. The layout will include four chefs’ tables and a dedicated bar area.
Guests will experience the full drama of the open kitchen, with chefs working in full view of the dining room, wearing the brand’s signature red and blue bandanas.
Live DJs will perform throughout the week, reinforcing the immersive atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Hell’s Kitchen concept internationally.
The Cumberland Hotel, located at Great Cumberland Place near Marble Arch and Hyde Park, has positioned the arrival of Hell’s Kitchen as a central part of its wider repositioning. With more than 900 bedrooms and a strong events programme, the hotel is aiming to strengthen its food and beverage credentials in the West End.
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Expanding the Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global portfolio
Founded in 1998, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global operates 29 restaurants in the UK and a further 65 internationally, spanning markets including the USA, South Korea, Malaysia, Dubai and Singapore. Across the group, Gordon currently holds eight Michelin stars worldwide, including three at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea, which has retained its top accolade for more than 20 years.
The arrival of Hell’s Kitchen in London represents a significant moment for the brand, bringing one of Gordon’s most commercially recognisable concepts home to the UK market for the first time.
For Kyle and Santino, the challenge will now be translating the spectacle and scale of the international Hell’s Kitchen format into a London setting, while maintaining the standards expected of a Gordon Ramsay-backed operation.
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