Ben Murphy appointed head chef at Launceston Place
Ben Murphy has been appointed as head chef of D&D London's Launceston Place in Kensington, following his departure from the Woodford In October last year.
Murphy, a protégé of Pierre Koffmann, has worked at a number of top restaurants including the three-Michelin-starred Les Prés d'Eugénie in the south of France; three-Michelin-starred Épicure Restaurant at Le Bristol in Paris; and the two-Michelin-starred Greenhouse Restaurant in Mayfair, London.
Murphy's menu at Launceston Place will be influenced by his time in London and France, and based on the philosophy of using simple seasonal ingredients in a flavoursome way.
He said: "I'm very much looking forward to taking on the role, it's exciting to be back working in west London after spending some time east. I feel now is the time where I can be more creative and show more of my own style, pushing myself and the team here on to a higher level. You can expect to find dishes that are extremely attractive to the eye, but with all the essential elements adding a distinct and bold taste."
D&D London's deputy Chairman David Loewi said: "We're thrilled to have Ben on board, having been extremely impressed by his achievements, meteoric rise and most importantly, his food! Launceston Place is a hidden gem in a beautiful location, and we can't wait to see what Ben is going to bring to the table."
The chef, who won a World Skills Gold Medal in 2011 and the Young National Chef of the Year award in 2012, opened the Woodford in South Woodford, with help from investors in March 2016.
His departure was aid to be mutual between Murphy and business partner Stephen Andrews, an Essex restaurateur who invested in the business.
