Ollie Couillaud has left Wimbledon’s The Lawn Bistro which he opened up with Uzbekistani owner Akbar Ashurov in September 2011.
He has taken on the role of executive chef at The Royal Academy of Arts on Piccadilly, looking after Keeper’s House and Peyton and Byrne at The Royal Academy, both run by Oliver Peyton.
In his new role, Couillaud will be responsible for developing menus which fit Peyton and Byrne’s ethos of modern European dishes that make the most of seasonal British produce.
Prior to The Lawn Bistro, Couillaud cooked at Chez Bruce and The Square before becoming head chef at Chiswick’s La Trompette from 2001 until 2005, followed by time at The Grill at The Dorchester; Tom Aikens’ Chelsea restaurant, Tom’s Kitchen; and at restaurant Bord’eaux at Grosvenor House hotel.
Neal Cooper, previously Couillaud’s right-hand man, has stepped up to the role of head chef at The Lawn Bistro.