Toby Burrowes joins Zuma London as head chef

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Former Elystan Street head chef Toby Burrowes is taking over the stoves of high-end, modern-Japanese restaurant Zuma in London's Knightsbridge.

Burrowes announced the news of his new position on Instagram earlier today (17 May).

He said: "Extremely excited to announce I have taken over as head chef of Zuma London."

Burrowes left his role as head chef of Phil Howard's Michelin-starred Elystan Street restaurant in Chelsea in February last year, citing a ‘professional difference of opinion’ as the reason for his departure.

He had been in the role since the restaurant opened in 2016, having previously worked under Howard for four years at The Square in Mayfair.

Having initially suggested he would be looking to 'spread his wings under his own name', Burrowes joined Zuma Dubai in November last year, before returning to the UK in March. 

Zuma, which is recommended in the Michelin Guide, was founded by Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney back in 2002 in London and is inspired by informal izakaya-style Japanese dining.

The pair have subsequently grown the business globally and now operate more than 15 restaurants worldwide including in the US, Europe and the Middle East under the Zuma brand.

Last week it was reported that Zuma London's executive chef, Marco Calenzo, had left to join Jumeirah’s Knightsbridge hotel The Carlton Tower where he will oversee a new flagship restaurant called Al Mare, which is set to launch next month.