London can officially say that it is home to the UK’s top chef. Ben Murphy, chef-patron of Launceston Place, has been named National Chef of the Year after impressing a panel of huge industry names with a specially-prepared menu. This was the 50th edition of the award, with past winners including Gordon Ramsay and Alyn Williams.
Murphy wowed the judges with a menu that featured butter-poached pollock, young fallow with watercress, onion, and batek pepper, and a fruity clementine-based dessert. The fine dining chef is best known for his work at Launceston Place, creating flamboyant seasonal tasting menus and à la carte dishes. He joined the restaurant as head chef in 2017 and was made chef-patron in 2021. He has already received a number of awards throughout his career.
Launceston Place is already a significant name on the fine dining scene in the capital and this is the latest in a number of accolades it has received. It won AA’s Notable Wine List Award in 2022 and also has three AA rosettes. Murphy’s achievement shows that the restaurant is intent on continuing its success.
