She is set to lead the kitchen as well as continue to build on the pub’s ‘farm-to-fork’ ethos.
Furthermore, the chef will also work closely with the team at the Public House Produce farm at Bruern Farms to help ensure seasonal ingredients are used in the best possible way to create exceptional dishes.
Abé announced she was leaving The Pem restaurant at the Conrad London St James hotel earlier this month (March), as reported by The Morning Advertiser sister title Restaurant.
In a statement provided to Restaurant by the hotel’s owner Hilton, it was confirmed the site would continue to trade as The Pem for the time being.
Previous experience
Abé led The Pem project as a consultant and was responsible for the Blue Boar pub, The Hedgerow and The Orchard Room.
The Pem launched in 2021 by an all-female senior team and was named after suffragette Emily Wiling ‘Pem’ Davison.
Previously, the chef led the team at the Harwood Arms, Fulham, west London retaining the pub’s Michelin star and taking the top spot on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list in 2020.
Abé is set to draw on her experience at the London pub to continue to position the Bull as a destination known for exceptional, modern British pub dining.
The Bull was this year’s Highest Climber on the list. The Cotwolds pub has a restaurant centred around open fire cooking, while the team have daily conversations with farmers and growers meaning its menu is constantly changing.
Homecoming role
On her new role, Abé said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Bull in Charlbury.
“It feels like a homecoming for me - returning to my roots and getting to cook proper British pub grub once again.
“I can’t wait to work with all the amazing produce from the farm. I’m so excited to get back to these incredible British ingredients and get cracking.”
Public House Group, which owns the Bull, founder James Gummer was also excited for Abé to join the site.
He added: “She is one of the country’s most talented chefs and her love for British produce and great pub food perfectly aligns with ours.
“We cannot wait to see her creativity in action.”
