Mark Catchpole replaces Charlie Tayler as head chef at Aulis London
Mark Catchpole has been appointed head chef at Aulis London, Simon Rogan's Michelin-starred chef's table in Soho, taking over from Charlie Tayler, who has led the kitchen since October 2020.
The move reunites Mark with Simon and with Oli Marlow, global executive chef of UMBEL Hospitality, following four years at the group's Michelin-starred Roganic Hong Kong.
Earlier this year he was announced as head chef of Spencer Metzger's new French bistro, Chez Rose, backed by Jason Atherton, but just a few months later has now reunited with Simon Rogan.
Speaking to The Staff Canteen ahead of the launch, Spencer said: “We’ve got an amazing head chef, Mark Catchpole, who’s going to run Chez Rose.”
From The Fat Duck to Attica and Roganic Hong Kong
Mark began his career in restaurants and hotels across the south east of England before moving into some of the UK's most respected kitchens.
It was at Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck that he first met Oli Marlow. He went on to work at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London.
In late 2017 he moved to Australia to join Attica in Melbourne, working closely with chef and owner Ben Shewry.
He joined Roganic Hong Kong in March 2022 and worked his way up to senior sous chef by 2025. In that role he worked alongside Oli and head chef Adam Catterall to build relationships with growers and suppliers across the New Territories, exploring ways of using ingredients in their entirety and developing dishes built around provenance and seasonality.
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Back with UMBEL at Aulis London
At Aulis London, Mark takes on a 12-seat counter and an ever-evolving tasting menu shaped by the seasons and by produce from Our Farm, UMBEL's 12-acre site in the Cartmel Valley, which delivers to the restaurant several times a week.
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.”
Hidden on St Anne's Court, Aulis London opened in 2017 as a standalone 12-seater chef's table and won its first Michelin star in the 2024 Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland.
Why is Charlie Tayler leaving Aulis?
Charlie Tayler took over the Aulis London kitchen in October 2020, having worked under Alyn Williams at The Westbury and at The Ledbury, with a stint at Kinobu in Japan. The restaurant won its Michelin star under him in 2024.
Speaking to The Staff Canteen for Heroes of the Hotplate, Charlie said he still ran a section three days a week: “The higher up the ladder you get, the less cooking you do. I became a chef because I love cooking.”
His next move has not been announced, but in a video confirming his departure, Charlie said: "I'm incredibly proud of what myself and the team have achieved over the last six years.
"It is bittersweet news. I've got an exciting project coming up. I can't say too much about that now, but it is finally time to hang up by Aulis apron."
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