Ekstedt at The Yard, the Scandinavian open-fire restaurant in Westminster led by Michelin-starred Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt, has named Luca Mastrantoni as its new Head Chef.
Mastrantoni brings over ten years of experience to his new role, having started his culinary journey in Italy, where he mastered the use of delicate, seasonal ingredients. After relocating to London to pursue fine dining, he joined The Drunken Butler in Farringdon as a chef de partie, honing his expertise in preservation and fermentation. In 2022, he became a junior sous chef at Ekstedt at The Yard in Westminster, advancing to the position of sous chef in 2023.
Now, as Head Chef of Ekstedt at The Yard in 2024, Mastrantoni will continue collaborating closely with Niklas Ekstedt to uphold the restaurant's renowned live-fire dining experience. He will oversee all menus, blending ancient Scandinavian cooking techniques with seasonal British ingredients. Additionally, he will lead the Chef’s Table experience, offering an intimate dining experience for up to seven guests in front of the open-fire kitchen.
Luca Mastrantoni said: “I’m delighted to take on this new role and oversee our talented kitchen team at Ekstedt at The Yard. Niklas is a real inspiration and fire has always been an element that’s drawn me to the kitchen, so I’m really excited that I can pursue this passion in the heart of London – bringing the theatre of open flame dining to guests.”
Niklas Ekstedt added: “Luca is an incredibly capable and dynamic chef who has been with us at Ekstedt at The Yard since 2022. He really understands that the intersection of tradition and innovation is at the heart of what we do and I’m excited to see him continue to develop the complexity of flavours on our menus.”
At Ekstedt at The Yard, every dish is prepared over an open fire, utilising only flames, smoke, and embers to create rich, caramelized flavors through roasting, grilling, and smoking techniques.
The restaurant is situated within the Great Scotland Yard Hotel.
