Sally Abé: Inspiring Journey of a Michelin-Starred Chef Who Transformed British Cuisine

Introduction

Sally Abé is a name that resonates across the British culinary landscape. Celebrated as one of the country’s most talented chefs, she has earned recognition not only for her innovative approach to British cuisine but also for her leadership in creating inclusive, supportive kitchens. With a career that spans prestigious restaurants such as The Savoy, The Ledbury, and The Harwood Arms, Sally has built a legacy of excellence. Her achievements include retaining a Michelin star, launching her signature restaurant The Pem, and inspiring a new generation of chefs to challenge old norms.

Her journey, however, was not without challenges. From intense kitchen environments to breaking stereotypes in a male-dominated industry, she has faced both victories and obstacles. Today, Sally Abé is recognized not only as a brilliant chef but also as a voice for change in hospitality.

Quick Bio of Sally Abé

Early Life and Education

Sally Abé was born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, in 1987. Growing up in a supportive family environment, she discovered her love for cooking early on. Although she initially worked in a traditional office role, her passion for food soon redirected her path. At 18, she moved to Sheffield and enrolled at Sheffield Hallam University, where she studied Hospitality Business Management and Culinary Arts.

Her placement at The Savoy in London became a turning point. It was here that Sally experienced the thrill of working in a professional kitchen, convincing her that this was the career she wanted to pursue. What began as a student opportunity transformed into the foundation of a lifelong journey in fine dining.

Start of Career and First Roles

After completing her degree, Sally fully committed to London’s vibrant culinary scene. Her first major role was at The Savoy, where she learned the discipline and precision required in luxury kitchens. When the restaurant closed for refurbishment, she moved on to Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s, sharpening her fine-dining skills.

She later joined The Ledbury under Chef Brett Graham, one of London’s most celebrated establishments. Over five years, she rose through the ranks, mastering techniques, leadership, and the artistry behind Michelin-starred dining. These experiences equipped her with the resilience and knowledge she would carry into her leadership roles.

Head Chef at The Harwood Arms

In 2017, Sally Abé became Head Chef at The Harwood Arms, London’s only Michelin-starred pub. This role marked a defining moment in her career. She not only maintained the restaurant’s Michelin star but also elevated its reputation as one of the best gastropubs in the country.

Under her leadership, The Harwood Arms gained accolades, including top rankings in the Top 50 Gastropubs list and the prestigious Chef to Watch award at the National Restaurant Awards. Sally’s cooking philosophy—elevating classic British ingredients with refined techniques—made her stand out in the industry. Her ability to balance bold flavors with simplicity won the admiration of critics and diners alike.

Consultant Chef at Conrad London St James

In 2021, Sally Abé took on an ambitious new role as Consultant Chef at Conrad London St James, a luxury hotel in central London. Here, she launched The Pem, her flagship restaurant. The Pem celebrates nostalgic British cuisine, inspired by tradition but executed with modern creativity.

What sets The Pem apart is not only the food but also the culture Sally has created. Determined to make kitchens more welcoming, she built a predominantly female team. In an industry where women are often underrepresented, this move was revolutionary. Alongside The Pem, she also oversees Blue Boar Pub and other outlets within the hotel, expanding her influence as both a chef and mentor.

Awards and Achievements

Sally Abé’s career is decorated with accolades that reflect her dedication and innovation.

• Michelin Star Retention – As Head Chef at The Harwood Arms, she successfully upheld its Michelin star.

• Chef to Watch (2019) – National Restaurant Awards recognized her rising talent.

• SquareMeal Female Chef of the Year (2021) – Honored for her exceptional contribution to the culinary world.

• Great British Menu Appearances – Represented the Central region in 2020, 2022, and 2025.

These awards not only celebrate her culinary skill but also highlight her role as a leader breaking barriers for women in professional kitchens.

Media and Publications

Beyond the kitchen, Sally Abé has become a familiar face on television and in print. She has appeared on BBC programs such as Saturday Kitchen Live and James Martin’s Saturday Morning. Her presence in the media has helped her connect with a broader audience and inspire aspiring chefs.

In 2024, she published her memoir, A Woman’s Place Is in the Kitchen. In this book, Sally candidly shared her personal journey, including the challenges of working in tough kitchen environments, her battles against sexism, and the lessons she learned along the way. The memoir quickly became an important contribution to conversations about gender and workplace culture in hospitality.

Personal Life

Sally Abé was previously married to chef Matt Abé, whom she met during her early career in London. They later separated, and she has since continued her journey independently. While her personal life remains relatively private, her professional story reflects strength, resilience, and determination.

Legacy and Impact

Sally Abé’s legacy extends beyond her dishes. She is seen as a pioneer for women in hospitality, proving that fine dining can be inclusive and empowering. By building female-led teams, mentoring young chefs, and openly addressing issues of inequality, she has reshaped perceptions of what it means to be a chef in the modern era.

Her influence is twofold: as a chef, she continues to elevate British cuisine; as a leader, she is transforming kitchen culture. Sally’s story is a mix of positive triumphs and the negative challenges she bravely confronted. Together, they form a legacy that will inspire chefs for years to come.

Conclusion

Sally Abé’s journey from Mansfield to Michelin stars is a powerful testament to perseverance, skill, and vision. She has proven that passion can overcome adversity and that leadership can change industries. Through her work at The Harwood Arms, The Pem, and beyond, she has shown how food can tell stories and how kitchens can become places of growth rather than fear.

Her memoir, media appearances, and ongoing commitment to inclusivity ensure that Sally Abé’s impact extends well beyond her restaurants. She is not just a chef but a role model and reformer, shaping the future of British gastronomy with courage and creativity.

FAQs about Sally Abé

Q1: Who is Sally Abé?
Sally Abé is a British chef, consultant at Conrad London St James, and former Head Chef at The Harwood Arms. She is known for retaining a Michelin star and for her modern British cuisine.

Q2: What is Sally Abé’s restaurant?
She runs The Pem at Conrad London St James, a restaurant known for nostalgic yet modern British dishes.

Q3: Has Sally Abé appeared on TV?
Yes, she has appeared on Great British Menu (2020, 2022, 2025) and BBC shows like Saturday Kitchen Live.

Q4: What awards has Sally Abé won?
Her awards include SquareMeal Female Chef of the Year (2021) and recognition for retaining a Michelin star at The Harwood Arms.

Q5: What book did Sally Abé write?
Her memoir, A Woman’s Place Is in the Kitchen (2024), explores her personal and professional journey in the culinary industry.

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