Sacha Townsend appointed head chef at Birmingham’s 670 Grams

Sacha Townsend has been named head chef at Kray Treadwell’s 670 Grams in Birmingham.

Leeds-born Townsend was previously at Michael O’Hare’s Man Behind the Curtain in Leeds for four years and the Rabbit in the Moon in Manchester for a year before joining 670 Grams as sous chef in 2020.

She will be taking over the head chef position from Treadwell, who is now stepping up to become the restaurant’s executive chef at the end of this month.

Treadwell will continue to work alongside Townsend on a daily basis at the restaurant, though it was revealed he is working on “several up and coming projects”, the details of which will be confirmed later in the year.

The pair have introduced several new dishes to the menu, including cured cod loin cooked in beef fat, served with Goma Dare sauce, roasted cauliflower, barbecue bone oil, pickled herb stalks and a crispy steamed bun.

Townsend said: “I’m excited to be taking on my new role at 670 Grams, and I’m also looking forward to continuing to build on what we are about, showcasing the vibrant flavours of the city. Drawing from the rich cultural tapestry that makes it such an amazing place to be, to continue to deliver our globally inspired menus using the highest quality ingredients.

“Alongside that, I’m also looking forward to continuing to encourage young people, particularly females, thinking of joining the industry to join us on our journey as we look to develop our team for the future, by providing opportunities, including stagiaires and apprenticeships. Something really important to me, mirroring the opportunities I had to learn the all-round skills necessary to become an accomplished chef in a modern and innovative kitchen.’’

Treadwell added: “Sacha is a real talent in the kitchen, and from the day she walked through the door at Man Behind the Curtain, where I first met her, I knew that we’d found someone special. So, I’m delighted she’s taken up the role as head chef at 670 Grams. I’m particularly excited about continuing to work with her and the team to further develop our relationships with quality regional producers to be able to continue to deliver the flavourful and innovative menus 670 Grams is known for.’’

Treadwell opened his debut restaurant, named after the weight of his daughter when she was born four months prematurely, in August 2020 in a restored Victorian custard factory.

The chef won the Michelin Guide’s Young Chef of the Year award in 2021 and was formerly head chef at O’Hare’s Michelin-starred Man Behind the Curtain, which closed last year.