Alice Power has been elevated to the position of head chef at the renowned Michelin-starred Black Swan in Oldstead.
The former senior sous chef steps into the role previously held by Callum Leslie, who now assumes the position of executive chef overseeing both the Black Swan and the Abbey Inn in Yorkshire, both integral parts of the broader Tommy Banks Group.
Power became part of the Black Swan team in October 2021 as a chef de partie, following her graduation from Leiths School of Food and Wine in 2019. Prior to her promotion, she undertook a series of stages with Banks and the team.
Prior to her tenure at the Black Swan, she served as a chef de partie at Carousel in London.
Before embarking on her hospitality career, Power pursued studies in History of Art at the University of Leeds. She also gained experience working for the Civil Service's Cabinet Office and Treasury departments.
Leslie's appointment to the executive chef role marks a new position established by the Tommy Banks Group. In this capacity, he will oversee menu development for both the Black Swan and the Abbey Inn, a recently launched 70-cover pub.
Power and Leslie (both pictured) will maintain a close collaboration, working together and in tandem with the family-operated 160-acre farm and three-acre kitchen garden that serves as a vital source for the restaurants' ingredients.
Power said: 'Callum has been a fantastic mentor and role model and we've built such a strong relationship leading the kitchen. I can't wait to continue working closely with him in our new roles and am excited to see where we take things next.'
Banks added: 'I am delighted that Callum will be stepping into this new exec role in our group. Callum is a wonderfully creative chef but also has a 360 view on how to run restaurants and how to develop an incredible guest experience.
'We are totally aligned in our thinking and I am looking forward to working together more and pushing our restaurants to the next level, watch this space.'
Banks' parents acquired the Black Swan in 2006, a venue that has proudly held a Michelin Star since 2012, along with earning a Green Star distinction since 2020.
