Company of Cooks names new culinary director
Company of Cooks has named former Cirrus Inns executive chef Helena Puolakka as its new culinary director.
Finnish-born Puolakka joins the caterer, which operates at London's Royal Opera House, National Portrait Gallery, Southbank Centre, Royal Academy and RHS Garden Wisley, after 18 months with Cirrus.
Her previous experience includes being executive chef at Skylon for D&D Restaurants and head chef at Harvey Nichols' Fifth Floor restaurant and café. She also headed the kitchen at Pierre Koffmann's three-Michelin starred restaurant Tante Claire and spent time with Pierre Gagnaire in Paris.
Commenting on the new appointment, Company of Cooks' founder Mike Lucy said: "I've known Helena for many years, I admire her immensely and it's taken me a couple of go's to bring her into our team for our plans ahead."