Discover the culinary prowess of London’s leading female chefs in this spotlight feature. The article celebrates their innovative contributions to the city’s vibrant food scene. From Michelin-starred restaurants to acclaimed bistros, these chefs showcase diverse cuisines and creative techniques. Learn about their inspirations, achievements, and the impact of their culinary artistry. Whether you’re exploring fine dining or seeking new flavors, these chefs redefine excellence in gastronomy, making London a hub for culinary innovation led by talented women.
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1- Hélène Darroze, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
The inspiration behind Colette in the animated film Ratatouille, Hélène Darroze was recently voted Best Female Chef in the World’s 50 Best awards. This fourth-generation chef stays incredibly busy, running Michelin-starred Restaurant Hélène Darroze in Paris and Moscow, as well as the two Michelin star Hélène Darroze at The Connaught here in London.
2- Clare Smyth, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay’s right-hand-woman for years, Clare Smyth is now moving on from heading up the kitchen at three Michelin star Restaurant Gordon Ramsay to start her own venture in Notting Hill! The as-of-yet unnamed restaurant is set to open this summer.
3- Skye Gyngell, Spring
Perhaps best known for her work as food editor at Vogue, the Australian Chef Skye Gyngell trained in Paris before moving to London. After working at The French House, The Dorchester, and being awarded a Michelin star at Petersham Nurseries Cafe, Chef Gyngell opened Spring – a seasonal, ingredient-led restaurant at Somerset House.
4- Selin Kiazim, Oklava
After critical success at multiple pop-ups including Ember Yard and Carousel London, Turkish Cypriot Chef Selin Kiazim opened her own restaurant, Oklava, last fall. Grace Dent from The Guardian reviewed the new venue, saying “we popped into Oklava for a quick snoop and perhaps a couple of plates, took one look at the menu and ended up ordering ferociously, eating until we had to surrender.” Don’t know about you, but I’m sold!
5- Anne-Sophie Pic, La Dame de Pic
Three generations of Chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s family have each earned three Michelin stars! If that accolade wasn’t enough, Chef Pic has published nine cookbooks, opened Parisian restaurant La Dame de Pic in 2012, and has just opened the London La Dame de Pic at the Four Seasons Hotel.
6- Elizabeth Haigh, Pidgin
Chef Elizabeth Haigh (née Allen) won a coveted Michelin star for her work at Hackney’s Pidgin, but is branching out with a new venture later this year- Shibui. Named after the Japanese concept of taking something unrefined and refining it, Shibui will open with a series of supper clubs, and is part of Chef Haigh’s new company Kaizen House.
7- Nieves Barragán Mohacho, Barrafina
Chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho grew up in Bilbao, in the Basque region of Spain. As a young woman, Nieves fell in love with the strong local cooking tradition and the abundance of excellent ingredients around her. Years later, she was made Executive Head Chef when Barrafina Frith Street opened here in London, earning the restaurant a Michelin star. She has since expanded to open a second Barrafina in Covent Garden. The menu includes traditional and regional Spanish tapas, rarely seen in London.
8- Angela Hartnett, Hartnett Holder & Co
Ok, Hartnett Holder & Co at the Lime Wood Hotel is not technically in London, but the beautiful location of the New Forest restaurant is worth the trek. One of the world’s most high-profile female chefs, Angela worked under Gordon Ramsay at Aubergine, and then with Marcus Wareing where she became Head Chef of Pétrus. In 2004 she gained her first Michelin star and launched restaurant Murano in 2008. At Hartnett Holder & Co you’ll find locally-sourced, seasonal Italian dishes.
What do you think of the London’s top female chefs that we have selected? Have we left out any of your favourites? Let me know below!
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Sebastian is a former hedge fund trader who worked only to indulge his true passion – food.
He has dined at over 240 Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, savoring culinary masterpieces and understanding the stories behind them. He now advises restaurants on menu design, decor and holistic diner experience.