Emma Underwood named general manager at Julie's

Emma Underwood has been appointed general manager at Julie’s in London’s Holland Park ahead of its relaunch this spring.

The long-standing restaurant, known for its quirky interiors and history of celebrity guests including Paul McCartney, Kate Moss and Tina Turner, closed in December 2022 after 53 years.

It was bought by Cordon Bleu-trained chef Tara MacBain last year and will reopen this spring with former Brawn and Pelican chef Owen Kenworthy heading up the kitchen.

Underwood joins from Patrick Powell’s Midland Grand Dining Room at London’s St Pancras Renaissance hotel, where she led the front of house team during its opening last year.

Originally from North Wales, she began her hospitality career in the north-west of England working at Gary Usher’s restaurants Sticky Walnut and Burn Truffle, as well as Where The Light Gets In in Stockport.

Underwood moved to London in 2018 to work at Stem in Mayfair and was later general manager at Robin Grill’s Darby’s for two years, before leading the front of house team at Sally Abe’s the Pem.

On joining Julie’s, Underwood said: “Upon meeting Tara and Owen, I was struck by their passion and plans for Julie’s and it felt like the perfect new venture for me.

“I love the story behind the famed institution and together we are looking forward to rebuilding its reputation as a beloved neighbourhood gem with true hospitality at its heart.”

Julie’s will reopen as a modern French brasserie, with 160 covers spread across a ground floor dining room and bar, a basement dining area and alfresco terrace.

It will offer an all-day menu alongside a raw seafood bar, with a martini trolley serving table-side cocktails.

MacBain said: “Emma brings a dynamic blend of strong values, profound ethos and a visionary approach to hospitality that aligns perfectly with the spirit of Julie’s. With Emma joining Owen Kenworthy, our esteemed chef patron, and myself, we embark on an exciting new chapter for Julie’s.”