Eric Chavot

ERIC CHAVOT, of the eponymous Brasserie Chavot in Conduit Street, Mayfair, was born in Arcachon on the Atlantic coast of southwest France. After training at the Boucanier and the Patio in his home country, he moved to the UK in 1986, without a word of English and with just £20 in his pocket. His culinary path here has taken him to some of the most respected and successful establishments, to work with some of the best chefs. Beginning as sous chef under Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, he then went on to La Tante Claire and Harvey's, both in London. After this, he was promoted to head chef at Marco Pierre White's The Restaurant, then the Hyde Park Hotel and later Chez Nico at Ninety, Park Lane. In 1995, with White’s backing, he started his own restaurant, Interlude de Chavot, in Charlotte Street, which later moved and became simply Chavot on the Fulham Road.

In August 1999, Chavot was appointed head chef at the Capital restaurant, where he remained for ten years, earning two Michelin stars. In 2008, Chavot represented the United Kingdom at the 25th anniversary celebration of the International Academy of Gastronomy, held at the Hotel Le Bristol in Paris. In 2009, Chavot left the Capital to work with fellow French chef Pierre Koffman at a special Pop Up restaurant at Selfridges. The Capital lost both its Michelin stars after he left.

Chavot has become a media star and occasional columnist for The Observer. His appearance as guest chef on Saturday Kitchen caused controversy for his swearing.

After Selfridges, Chavot travelled to the USA, spending two seasons as a troubleshooter and consultant at the exclusive Weston estate in the sunshine state, Florida. Upon his return to the UK in 2013, Chavot launched his brasserie next to – and part of – the Westbury hotel. The restaurant has already earned its first Michelin star, and, although Chavot is said to be as good at putting together a rustic stew as he is a gourmet delicacy, the brasserie, despite its name, is a formal affair.