Most recently at The Pelican in Notting Hill, Kenworthy will oversee the food at the relaunched modern French brasserie, which will reopen with 160 covers across a ground floor dining room and bar, basement dining area and alfresco terrace.
Kenworthy opened Brawn with Ed Wilson in 2010 where he was head chef for the first five years. He was also part of the opening team at The Wolseley in 2004 and later worked with Chris Galvin at Bistrot De Luxe.
“I was instantly attracted to Tara’s drive and our shared passion for the reimagining of such an iconic institution,” he says.
“I am a true believer in the integral role that neighbourhood dining plays in a local community and I am looking forward to announcing our launch menu which will showcase classic French regional dishes with the finest and most ethically sourced ingredients.”
The long-standing West London restaurant announced it would reopen its doors under new ownership in Spring 2024 after a one-and-a-half year hiatus. The Holland Park venue closed in January 2023 after 53 years following the retirement of its owners, with Cordon Bleu-trained chef and long-standing Julie’s regular Tara MacBain taking on the site.
“I have been following Owen’s career since I first dined at Brawn in November 2010. From the moment I tasted his food I knew that he was exceptionally talented and ‘one to watch’,” says MacBain.
“As soon as I started thinking about the culinary direction for Julie’s, I knew that Owen was the one that I wanted by my side to bring this beloved institution back to its former glory.
"I am so proud that Owen, a chef who I have the utmost respect for, has decided to embark on this journey with me as chef-patron of Julie’s.”
