Former MasterChef: The Professionals finalist to open London restaurant

Gaston Savina, a finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals 2024, is to open a restaurant in the former site of Cépage[s] in London’s Notting Hill.

The chef studied at culinary school in Burgundy and started his career in Paris, working under chefs such as Franck Graux at Le Dôme and Christophe Langrée at Le Faust.

In 2014, he moved to London, taking on his first job at Cepáge[s] wine bistro, where he was to spend two years.

In 2017, he launched his private cheffing business, serving dishes that draw on his French heritage, as well as the seasons.

Announcing the news of his upcoming restaurant on Instagram, the private chef said: “Since MasterChef, I’ve always dreamed of opening a little restaurant in London… and gosh, it’s happening.

“It’s been a journey – one I’ll share with you as much as I can. It’s scary, incredible, overwhelming and beautiful all at once. I feel like the luckiest chef because this adventure resonates so deeply with who I am and what I want to create.”

He added: “Cépage[s] has always been special to me. It was my first job in London – the place where I built my self-confidence as a chef. It was also my last role as a full-time restaurant chef before becoming a private chef. A full-circle moment. I know Cépage[s] has meant a lot to many of you – fine dining and wine lovers, romantics, French food enthusiasts from Notting Hill and beyond. We will keep the same spirit, the same legacy – and hopefully add even more fun.”