The appointment marks a promotion for de Haas, who originally joined HAM Restaurants as head chef of the group’s original Crispin restaurant in Spitalfields back in 2021 having previously overseen the stoves at The Shed in Notting Hill and Petersham Nurseries in Richmond.
It follows an extended period of growth for HAM Restaurants that has seen it expand from a single restaurant operation to a five strong estate over a four-year period.
The group’s most recent opening, Canal, launched within the new Mason & Fifth property in London’s Westbourne Park in June.
“As our company has grown, we felt it imperative that we strengthen the overall culinary side of the business,” says Dominic Hamdy, founder of HAM Restaurants.
“Lewis has had broad experience across many hospitality outlets, and he has proven his leadership at Crispin, where he has had a huge impact - I’m thrilled for this to extend across the other sites.
“This expanded role will see him overseeing the kitchens of all our restaurants, as well as Canal.”
Earlier roles on de Haas’s CV include stints as sous chef for Rocco Forte Hotels and Caprice Holdings.