London’s K West Hotel is proud to have one of the country’s youngest female Head Chefs, after appointing 25 year old rising culinary star Rhiannon Ball. Rhiannon will be taking the helm of the newly re-launched Studio Bar & Kitchen at K West, in charge of a team of 8 male chefs.
Inspired by her father’s occupation as a Chef, she began a college education in catering when she was 16. After undertaking a two week work placement in the kitchens at the prestigious Lancaster London hotel, she found she loved it so much that she stayed for the next 8 years.
Starting out as an Apprentice Chef, Rhiannon quickly rose through the ranks of what she herself calls a ‘man’s world’, with her talents and desire to succeed seeing her propelled to stardom in the kitchens.
To better understand the production of high-standard restaurant cuisine, she asked the Executive Chef at Lancaster London to help her spread her wings and gain industry knowledge within a luxury high volume restaurant.He sent her to The Kensington Roof Gardens Babylon restaurant, using his contacts in the industry, where she worked for just under a year, under Head Chef Ian Howard.
After working over 80 hours a week at Babylon, Lancaster London offered her the prestigious role of Sous Chef in its contemporary Island Grill and Highly successful events kitchen, where she returned for 4 years.
As well as being promoted to Sous Chef, she became an ambassador for Apprenticeship Schemes in the UK, as well as mentoring and running Lancaster London’s apprenticeship scheme.
Rhiannon’s role models include inspiring female chef Angela Hartnett and John Robinson, her head chef for many years. She is looking forward to revamping Studios Kitchen’s menu to achieve her goal of gaining two Rosettes for the West London restaurant.
K West Hotel & Spa, Richmond Way, London W14 0AX
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