London's Iconic Savoy Grill Names First Female Head Chef In 126 Years

One of London's most iconic restaurants, the Savoy Grill, has hired its first female head chef ever. According to the Evening Standard, 34-year-old chef Kim Woodward is the first woman to run the Savoy Grill's kitchen in its 126-year history. The restaurant — which is now owned by shouty chef Gordon Ramsay — is where "prime ministers, captains of industry and show business luminaries have power-lunched for decades." Woodward, who was a Masterchef semifinalist in 2011, tells the Daily Telegraph: "To be the first [female chef] here in 126 years makes me feel like I'm writing history."

The chef notes that she doesn't plan to make too many changes to the the Savoy Grill's culinary traditions — many of which were created by the restaurant's first chef, French legend August Escoffier. Diners can continue to expect a daily roast trolley that serves dishes like Beef Wellington and Dover sole. The Omelette Arnold Bennett — an egg dish featuring smoked haddock and parmesan that was invented at the restaurant — will also remain on the menu. She does, however, plan to add desserts like a tonka bean and strawberry millefeuille to the dessert menu.

The Independent writes that Woodward has a history of working for Ramsay and the Savoy Grill. She was the restaurant's sous chef between 2010 and 2012 and left to run the kitchen at Ramsay's embattled gastropub York & Albany. In January, a judge ruled that Ramsay was personally liable for the $1.2 million annual rent owed on York & Albany's space.