Mark Kempson joins BM as consultant chef

BM Contract Caterers has recruited Mark Kempson, head chef of Michelin-starred Kitchen W8 in London’s Kensington, as consultant chef.

The news was announced at the restaurant last night (26 April) over canapes, speeches and a paired wine tasting.

The partnership will see Kempson provide development and training opportunities for BM chefs, who will be invited to stage at the restaurant.

He will also cook for clients, cater for fine dining events, and judge internal competitions.

Kempson joins BM following the caterer's partnership with its other consultant chef, Adam Byatt, chef-patron of the Michelin-starred Trinity restaurant in London’s Clapham.

Kempson mentored the most recent winner of BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals competition, Nikita Pathakji, who was junior sous chef at Kitchen W8.

Prior to the launch of Kitchen W8 in 2009, which achieved its Michelin star a year after opening, Kempson was sous chef with Phil Howard at the two Michelin-starred Square restaurant in London.

He was also previously sous chef for John Campbell at the Vineyard in Newbury in Berkshire.

Pete Redman, BM’s chef director, said: “Mark is one of the most talented chefs in the UK and has an amazing pedigree. Like us, he’s passionate about both food and supporting the development of young chefs, so it made total sense to bring him on board.

“To be able to provide our teams with another perspective on Michelin-level dining and training is absolutely amazing. Along with Adam Byatt, this really does bring together a powerhouse of British talent for our teams to benefit from.”

Kempson said: “I am thrilled to be joining the BM family in a consultancy role. The company offering and standards align perfectly with my ethos. Development and training of the future generation is very important for our industry. I am excited to be able to share my experience and knowledge with the BM team and future industry leaders.”

BM, formerly Bartlett Mitchell, was founded by Ian Mitchell and executive chairman Wendy Bartlett in 2000. It has been owned by Westbury Street Holdings (WSH) since 2020 and now has 90 clients in London, the Home Counties and the South-East.