Barrafina appoints chef Patricia Roig as it ramps up international expansion

Barrafina has appointed Spanish chef Patricia Roig as its international executive chef – a newly created role that the restaurant said “will oversee the culinary direction of all Barrafina international expansions”.

Roig was most recently executive chef at Dubai’s Boca, which was awarded a Michelin green star for sustainability under her stewardship.

Barrafina said Roig’s time at Boca “stands as a testament to her ability to build world-class culinary programmes from the ground up – precisely the capability Barrafina needs as it enters exciting new markets”.

Roig has worked in the UK, Europe, Latin America and Middle East in roles at Michelin-starred Abantal and Lillas Pastia in Spain, and at Newman Street Tavern, Lima and Roka in London.

The restaurant group’s managing director Anna Watkins said: “Patricia is an exceptional talent and her cooking is defined by precision, integrity and a deep respect for ingredients – qualities that resonate profoundly with Barrafina.

“As we extend our presence internationally, her leadership ensures we carry forward not just our standards, but the spirit and simplicity at the heart of our kitchens.”

Roig added: “Barrafina holds a very special place in the story of Spanish food in the world. To be part of its international future is a privilege I do not take lightly.

“I look forward to bringing everything I have learned across my career to this role – championing the very best of Spanish cuisine, with honesty, creativity and a deep commitment to sustainability, wherever in the world Barrafina opens its doors.”

Barrafina said it would reveal details about its international expansion in due course.