Former MasterChef semi-finalist is head chef at the Savoy Grill
Kim Woodward, 34, is the new head chef at Gordon Ramsay Group's Savoy Grill. She is the first MasterChef contestant and the first female chef to run the historic kitchen.
Recruited from within the Gordon Ramsay Group, which she joined in 2007, Woodward has spent the past three years as head chef at the York & Albany townhouse in Camden. She took part in MasterChef: The Professionals in 2011, when she reached the semi-finals.
As well as stints at Boxwood café and Plane Food, Woodward helped Stuart Gillies, now managing director of GRG, to re-launch the 98-cover Savoy Grill in 2010, when he was executive chef there.
Woodward described the Savoy Grill as "one of London's most iconic restaurants" and is thrilled to become head chef. "It makes me feel like I'm writing history," she said.
Gordon Ramsay Group has operated the Savoy Grill since 2003, when it opened with Marcus Wareing as head chef.