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Adam Byatt, chef patron of Michelin-starred restaurant Trinity and culinary director of Brown’s Hotel, London, has been announced as the new chair of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA).
Byatt, a protégé of Ritz executive chef and Michelin star holder John Williams MBE, will take over the role as chair of RACA as John Williams – who has held the role of chair for 20 years – steps up into the role of president.
Chef Williams will take over from Brian Turner CBE, who will assume the role of honorary president of the organisation.
Byatt’s style of food is modern British with a French gastronomic influence due in part to his grandfather’s experience as a cook in the army, and his mother’s career as a professionally trained cook.
His career in hospitality began with an introduction to the Savoy Education Trust at the age of 16 when he was offered a placement as an apprentice chef at Claridge’s Hotel. After three months, he started an apprenticeship at Bournemouth College via an opportunity with the Academy of Culinary Arts and a scholarship with Claridge’s.
Byatt moved from Claridge’s to the Berkeley Hotel with Williams before going on to join Philip Howard at The Square restaurant in Mayfair. During this period, The Square was awarded its second Michelin star and Byatt appointed sous chef.
In 2001, Byatt opened Thyme, his first restaurant, which was an instant success winning awards including Time Out Restaurant of the Year 2003.
In 2005 he took the prominent site within the Old Town of Clapham and launched Trinity.
Byatt was invited to become culinary director at Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair in 2019 and also a consultant for BM Caterers.
A number of other organisational changes have also been made at RACA. Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Michelin-starred chef of Northcote hotel in Lancashire and The Stafford in London, will take up the role as co-deputy chair (North) with chef Gary Jones (previously head chef at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons) as co-deputy chair (South).
Mark Flanagan LVO, Royal chef and assistant to the Master, Master of the Household’s Department, takes up the role of chair of sustainability.
Byatt added: “I am honoured to be taking on the role of chair at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. The Academy is a highly prestigious institution which helps, educates, and inspires young professionals in the hospitality profession.
