Portrait of Ben Waugh
i. Biography
Ben Waugh’s work at Bancone reads as a study in control: ingredients chosen carefully, then handled with economy. Since 2021, as group executive chef in London, he has worked in a register that favours clarity over flourish, with style measured by restraint and purpose rather than ornament. The result is a kitchen language built on confidence and discipline.
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The Climb
Progress through Gordon Ramsay Restaurants gave Waugh a long, kitchen-led apprenticeship in senior service. From 2010–2016, he was Senior Sous Chef, before moving to Head Chef from 2016–2017. He then became executive chef from 2017–2020, returned as Head Chef from 2020–2021, and has been group exec chef of Bancone since 2021. The sequence is notable for its consistency: each step sits inside the same professional frame, shaped by the demands and repetition of high-pressure kitchens.
Today
Since 2021, the group executive chef role at Bancone has given Waugh a setting that matches his approach. The significance is in the fit. The brief here is not excess, but reduction — flavour pared back to what matters, with ingredients allowed to carry the plate.
Signature
The signature dishes point directly to Waugh’s kitchen priorities. SILK HANDKERCHIEF CARBONARA signals a fine hand with pasta and a preference for precision in the final plate. Cornish cod, tagliatelle, tomato, caper, olive sits in a sharper, cleaner register, while Wild mushroom mezzaluna ravioli, nut butter, porcini broth leans deeper and more grounded. Salt baked celeriac, rigatoni, almond, lemon brings texture and contrast, and Silk handkerchiefs with smoked beurre blanc completes a list that shows consistency of method: composed, restrained, and strongly pasta-led.
In Their Words “I’ve always wanted the opportunity to explore pasta and Italian cuisine in more depth.”
FAQ
Asked of Ben
What is Ben Waugh's current role?
As of 2026, Ben Waugh is Group Executive Chef.
Where did Ben Waugh work before?
Ben Waugh's earlier career included Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants.
What is Ben Waugh known for?
Focuses on quality ingredients executed with style and simplicity.
The Sunday email
Read about chefs like Ben Waugh in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
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