With all the time Marco, Saint Jamie and Big Sweary Gordon spend on TV, it’s no wonder they’re rarely seen in their own kitchens. While they’re busy ranting at hopeless restaurateurs and lecturing chubby kids, some of London’s best restaurants are filling up with some exceptional female chefs. Why not try a testosterone-free meal at one of these girl-powered eateries this weekend?
Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road – Clare Smyth
At just 29, Clare Smyth took over as Head Chef at London’s only three Michelin starred restaurant - Gordon Ramsay at Hospital Road. Ramsay, who once said ‘British women can’t cook to save their lives’, was blown away by her skill and composure in the kitchen. She has been working hard in the Great British Menu kitchen this week, representing Northern Ireland with her interpretation of classic dishes like crubeens (pigs trotters) and roast rack of spring lamb with Irish stew. (If you missed it, you can catch up on BBC iPlayer).
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
Dividing her time between the UK and her two Michelin starred restaurant in Paris, Darroze is passionate about the regional, seasonal flavours of South West France. She earned The Connaught its first star this year and also oversees their less formal but equally excellent bistro, Espelette.
Le Gavroche – Rachel Humphrey
After 40 years of male domination in the kitchens of Le Gavroche, former sous-chef Rachel Humphrey broke through to become the restaurant’s first female Head Chef in 2008. Michel Roux Jnr has praised her excellent understanding of French cuisine, as well as her ability to lead the kitchen of one of London’s most celebrated restaurants.
Murano – Angela Hartnett
Having worked alongside Ramsay for years and earned her first Michelin star at The Connaught’s Grill Room, Hartnett now oversees the York & Albany in Camden as well as Murano in Mayfair where she indulges her passion for Italian food.
Wahaca – Thomasina Miers
Perhaps the most successful Masterchef winner to date, Miers opened Wahaca in the West End in 2007 and people are still queuing up to try her Mexican street food. In 2008, she opened a new branch in the Westfield centre which is proving to be equally popular.
The Modern Pantry – Anna Hansen
It took three years to get The Modern Pantry open, but former Providores chef Hansen has proved it was worth the wait. The restaurant in St John’s Square is divided into a buzzing ground floor café and two elegant first floor dining rooms, both serving her unique fusion menus.
Skylon – Helena Puolakka
In 2007, Helena moved from Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor restaurant to take over as Head Chef of Skylon at the Royal Festival Hall. She now leads a team of 30, split into two teams to serve the fine dining restaurant and the more relaxed grill and bar.
Petersham Nurseries – Skye Gyngell
Given that it is essentially a garden centre café with rather limited opening hours, you might be surprised to find this Richmond gem fully booked up months in advance. Australian Head Chef Skye Gyngell insists on the best seasonal, native produce and changes her menu on a weekly basis to incorporate herbs and fruits from the walled kitchen garden at Petersham House.
Baltic - Silvena Rowe
Known as the 'Queen of Eastern European cuisine', Silvena Rowe is the Executive Chef at Baltic in Southwark. Her menus feature modern interpretations of traditional dishes from her homeland like spiced beef goulash, pierogi, and barszcz - clear beetroot soup.
Clarke's - Sally Clarke
After almost 23 years in her Kensington restaurant, Clarke stills spends most days in the kitchen and her bakery next door. She was once famous for her four-course ‘no choice’ set dinner, but now offers a weekly changing menu that reflects her passion for seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients.
Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room – Maria Elia
Maria Elia previously worked at Delfina on Southbank and had planned to open a vegetarian restaurant called Love Life Stories on Brick Lane last year. We’re not sure why the plan never came to fruition but we do know that she’s now Head Chef at the new Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room, where she will be championing British food. With a two-course set menu priced at just £15, why not drop in for lunch?
Have we missed your favourite female chef? Let us know!
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