Robert Panek

The Path

Robert Panek’s career has been built through kitchens that demand pace, control, and clean execution. As Chef de Partie at Overton Grange hotel (2003–2004), he worked at the level where discipline is learned in service, before moving to Sous Chef at Le pont de la tour (2004–2007) and then Head Chef at Bluebird cafe (2007–2008), each step carrying more responsibility for timing, consistency, and the line. The next stretch widened the brief. At Bob Bob Ricard (2008–2012), Panek served as Senior Sous Chef, then took on the different pressure of In-flight Chef at Etihad (2012–2013), where consistency has to hold under a tighter set of conditions. He returned to restaurants as Head Chef at The Don Restaurant & The Sign of The Don Bistro (2013–2015), then moved into Executive Chef roles at Les 110 de Taillevent London (2015–2016), Playboy Club London (2017–2021), and Home House (2021–2024), with a year as Head Chef at Samarkand (2016–2017) in between. Since 2024, Panek has led Stradom House Autograph Collection in Kraków, Poland as Executive Chef.

The Work Today

At Stradom House Autograph Collection, the brief is Modern Polish cuisine, and Panek’s reading of it is structural rather than nostalgic. Traditional recipes are treated as working material: held to their source, then sharpened and refined through a contemporary lens. The result is a kitchen language that keeps the memory of the dish intact while updating its finish, pace, and presentation.

In Their Words “I have always believed that excellence is not an accident—it is the result of vision, consistency, discipline, and the courage to push boundaries.” “Leading the culinary vision here has been a journey full of challenges, creativity, relentless standards, and unforgettable moments.”

Career - Chef de Partie — Overton Grange hotel (2003–2004) - Sous Chef — Le pont de la tour (2004–2007) - Head Chef — Bluebird cafe (2007–2008) - Senior Sous Chef — Bob Bob Ricard (2008–2012) - In-flight Chef — Etihad (2012–2013) - Head Chef — The Don Restaurant & The Sign of The Don Bistro (2013–2015) - Executive Chef — Les 110 de Taillevent London (2015–2016) - Head Chef — Samarkand (2016–2017)

Acclaim

Panek sums up the standard he works to in one line: “The pursuit of excellence never stops.”

FAQ What is Robert Panek's current role? As of 2026, Robert Panek is Executive Chef. Where did Robert Panek work before? Robert Panek's earlier career included Overton Grange hotel, Le pont de la tour, and Bluebird cafe. What is Robert Panek known for? Modern Polish cuisine.