He replaces chef Jorjon Colazo, who is now executive chef at The Westin London City Hotel & Residencies.
Sweden-born Karlsson has more than two decades of experience in the industry with a CV includes head chef roles at restaurants including 100 Wardour St; Heaton Butler and Baine; and Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Restaurant. He has also held the role of chef de partie at Coq d’Argent and Michelin-starred Orrery,
Karlsson has lived in London for the past 21 years but his cooking remains rooted in his Swedish upbringing. He will bring his style of cooking that brings subtle modern twists to traditional Scandinavian dishes to the Nordic restaurant.
“We are delighted to welcome Jonas to the Aquavit London team. His skill and passion for innovative Scandinavian cooking is really exciting, and I can’t wait to see him elevate the Aquavit food offering to a new level,” says Giancarlo Princigalli, Aquavit London general manager.
Aquavit opened in London in 2016 with chef Henrik Ritzen at the helm and was awarded a Michelin star in the 2018 guide. The restaurant, however, lost its star earlier this year.