Zapata Martin will play a key role at Spanish food and restaurant business across its food, kitchens and sites, strengthening the connection between its network of Spanish producers and its kitchens.
His appointment follows Kelly Richardson’s appointment as managing director at Brindisa and Adrian Castro appointed as beverage director.
Born in Barcelona, Zapata Martin joins Brindisa with more than 20 years’ experience across leading kitchens and hospitality groups in Spain, London and internationally. Most recently executive chef at Grupo Mambo in Ibiza, he previously spent seven years as chef director of Barrafina and Parrillan at Harts Group, where he played a key role in the Dean Street Barrafina maintaining its Michelin star before leaving the group in 2023.
Having first met Brindisa Founder Monika Linton in 2017 while working at Barrafina, Zapata Martin’s relationship with the business has developed over many years. Throughout his time at Harts Group, Angel regularly sourced ingredients from Brindisa and maintained a close relationship with the sales team, giving him a long-standing understanding of the business and its role in London’s Spanish food scene.
Zapata Martin will bring his experience, Catalan background and international perspective to the group, looking beyond the traditional expectations of tapas, with a focus on Spanish home cooking, regional dishes, and seasonal produce.
“I am so thrilled to welcome Angel to Brindisa. With his roots firmly set in Catalunya and Mediterranean Spain we can share what I learnt and loved working there as a chef de partie in Begur and then as a teacher in this region where I stayed for 3 years before I co-founded Brindisa in 1988,” says Linton.
“I have known Angel since 2017 and have watched his career develop. He understands where we have come from, but he also brings the experience and curiosity to help us think about where we go next.
“We want the next few years to be exciting, and Angel is an important part of that.”
Zapata Martin adds: “Brindisa has always been a brand I have admired. I have a lot of respect for Monika and what she has built, and many very good memories of our time in the Spanish food community in London. I am excited to join the business, bring my experience to the team and, together with Monika, explore what the next chapter can look like.”