Tommy Banks names new head chefs at the Black Swan and Roots

Tommy Banks has announced two new chef appointments across his restaurants, including Will Lockwood named head chef at Roots in York, which won its first Michelin star earlier this year.

Lockwood (pictured above left) joined sister restaurant the Black Swan at Oldstead as demi chef de partie in 2014 and worked his way up to become head chef in 2017.

Lockwood is returning to the group after a short time away from the business, replacing Sean Wrest, who stepped down from Roots earlier this year with plans to open his own restaurant.

Lockwood said: “I’ve worked with Tommy, his family and the team at the Black Swan almost exclusively since I left university in 2014 and am ever grateful for the experiences I’ve had to date. I’m excited to be back once again and play a part in the continued evolution of Roots."

Banks added: “It’s the produce, people and passion that make our businesses what they are and Will is a real testament to this. He’s played a crucial part in our team since joining in 2014 and I’m always amazed by the creativity and flair he shows in the kitchen every day.”

Meanwhile, Callum Leslie has been named head chef at the Black Swan, having worked there for two and a half years as senior sous chef.

Prior to joining the restaurant Leslie spent a year and a half as chef de partie at Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham and held the same role at Marcus Wareing’s Marcus at the Berkeley in London.

Leslie said: “Tommy has been a great mentor to me and I love working closely with him in the kitchen as well as the rest of the team. I’m in awe of what he and his family have set up here in Oldstead - it’s a true reflection of everything our region has to offer.”

Banks’ parents bought the Black Swan in 2006 and it has held a Michelin Star since 2012. In 2018 the chef opened Roots in the centre of York.