Executive chef Angel Zapata Martin to leave Barrafina
The executive chef, who has led the kitchen at the Harts Group owned restaurant brand since April 2017, will return to Spain with his family. His role will be filled by two executive chefs, Antonio Gonzales Milla and Francisco Jose Torrico, both of whom have risen through the ranks of the Barrafina kitchens for over six years, with each covering half of the locations.
During Zapata Martin's time at the company Barrafina Dean Street has maintained its Michelin Star and Barrafina and Parrillan Coal Drops Yard and Barrafina, Parrillan and Bar Daskal Borough Yards have launched
“We are very sad to see Angel go after an amazing time at the helm of Barrafina, Parrillan and Bar Daskal. Over the six years he has been with us he has overseen the opening of five restaurants, delivered amazing food and inspired a generation of chefs,” says Sam Hart.
“We look forward to watching the next steps in his career and wish him all the best for the future.”
Milla, who has worked at Barrafina since 2016 and was head chef at Barrafina Adelaide Street, will become executive chef at the central Barrafina locations, Dean Street, Adelaide Street and Drury Lane. Torrico, also known as Paco, joined Barrafina in 2015 and has worked as head chef at the Adelaide Street, Drury Lane and Coal Drops Yard locations and will be executive chef at Barrafina and Parrillan Coal Drops Yard and Barrafina, Parrillan and Bar Daskal, Borough Yard.
“Paco and Antonio are the perfect duo to take the reins at Barrafina,” says Zapata Martin. “They know the culture and the values inside out, deliver food and experiences of the highest level and are warm, kind-hearted people.”
“Working alongside with Sam Hart for the last six years has been such an honour. His vision and care for his business is something to admire, and contributing to that has been one of the best professional experiences in my career.
“I’ve enjoyed every second of my time at Barrafina, Parrillan and Bar Daskal, and am now lucky to count Sam and so many of the Harts Group team as friends for life.”
