Ex-Hawksmoor chef to take over the stoves at The Coal Shed's London outpost

Hannaford has over 25 years experience in kitchens and has regularly contributed to the Meatopia line-up. 

His career has seen him rise through the ranks at Hawksmoor, holding various positions including development chef for the group's now defunct neighbourhood restaurant brand Foxlow.

The Coal Shed says Hannaford's passion, appreciation and knowledge of Britain’s best farms makes him 'a perfect fit' for the role as head chef.

Set to reopen tomorrow (1 October), The Coal Shed London will relaunch with a new menu by Hannaford that features small plates such as sea bream crudo with horseradish buttermilk, nori oil and kohlrabi; Korean fried chicken with fermented chilli mayo and pickles; and smoked pork belly with burnt onion raita and padron pepper jam.

Large plates, meanwhile, will include Lake District lamb grilled rump served with glazed hot pot and roasting juices; smoked beef short-rib for two with garlic fried potatoes, barbecued hispi and autumn slaw; and Robata-grilled scallops with yuzu caramel, shaved fennel and apple salad.

The menu will also offer a Sunday roast, designed for two to share, featuring 500g aged sirloin, beef fat potatoes, Sunday trimmings, Yorkshire pudding, beef jus and horseradish.

To coincide with the reopening and new menu launch, the restaurant has also announced a new partnership with Lake District Farmers.

The Coal Shed London is one of three sites operated by the Razak Helalat's Black Rock Restaurant Group, and is the last to reopen following the easing of Coronavirus lockdown restrictions on the hospitality sector. 

Black Rock's portfolio also includes The Salt Room and a further Coal Shed, both located in Brighton.