Alice Power has been promoted to head chef at the renowned Michelin-starred Black Swan in Oldstead.
The former senior chef will step into the role previously held by Callum Leslie, who will now take on the role of executive chef, overseeing both the Black Swan and the Abbey Inn in Yorkshire, both of which are integral parts of the wider Tommy Banks Group.
Power joined the Black Swan team in October 2021 as head chef after graduating from Leiths School of Food and Wine in 2019. Prior to his promotion, he completed several stages with Banks and the team.
Before working at Black Swan, he worked as chef de party at London’s Carousel.
Before starting his career in hospitality, Power studied Art History at the University of Leeds. He has also gained experience working in the cabinet office of the civil service and the Ministry of Finance.
Leslie’s appointment as head chef marks a new role created by the Tommy Banks Group. In this capacity, he oversees menu development for both the Black Swan and the Abbey Inn, a newly launched 70-cover pub.
Power and Leslie (both pictured) continue to work closely together, working together and alongside the family-owned 160-hectare farm and three-hectare kitchen garden, which serves as a vital source of ingredients for the restaurants.
Power said: “Callum has been a fantastic mentor and role model and we’ve built such a strong relationship running the kitchen.” I can’t wait to continue working closely with him in our new roles and look forward to seeing what we do next.
Banks added: “I’m delighted that Callum is stepping into this new leadership role within our group. Callum is a wonderfully creative chef but also has a 360-degree view of running restaurants and creating an incredible guest experience.
“We are completely aligned in our thinking and I look forward to collaborating more and taking our restaurant to the next level, watch this space.”
Banks’ parents bought the Black Swan in 2006, a venue that has proudly held a Michelin star since 2012 and has earned a Green Star since 2020.