“It’s where I feel happiest” – Tom Griffiths returns to the pass after three-year break

Griffiths has been appointed chef director at the soon-to-launch private members’ club, which has taken over the Grade II listed site that previously housed A-list nightclub Kensington Roof Gardens.

Announcing the news on Instagram​​, Griffiths said: “After a few years of taking a break from chef life, my love and passion for cooking has brought my back to the kitchen and I am thrilled to announce my new role as chef director of [The Roof Gardens].

“Over the past three years I have maintained my passion by participating in various events, cooking all over the world, and meeting wonderful new friends along the way.”

Griffiths is best known for being the chef founder of nose-to-tail cooking concept Flank and rotisserie chicken brand Good Birds, which prior to Covid-19 operated sites across Market Hall’s portfolio of food halls.

During the pandemic, Griffiths worked as head of partnerships for e-commerce platform Restaurant Kits, however, he subsequently stepped away from the industry to work with music distribution service Mahogany.

As well as his new role at The Roof Gardens, the chef said he will continue to support Mahogany as an advisor in partnerships.

“This new role at The Roof Gardens is the biggest move in my career,” Griffiths continued.

“I am excited to be part of a team dedicated to creating something truly incredible with great people.

“There’s nothing like the feeling of being in the kitchen, putting on that jacket, scrubbing the grill, on the pass, and working with a fantastic team. It’s where I belong and where I feel happiest.”

Plans to relaunch the Kensington Roof Gardens site as a private members’ club were revealed earlier this year.

It is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound refurbishment as is expected to launch later this summer under its new name. 

The work is being funded by owner Stephen Fitzpatrick, the billionaire founder of Ovo Energy, who bought the 65,000sq ft site from Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition in 2021.