Sally Abé appointed new head of food at The Bull, Charlbury

Chef Sally Abé is set to join the Cotswolds gastropub, The Bull Charlbury, as its new head of food.

This move follows her departure from The Pem at the Conrad London St James earlier this year, after four successful years.

She has competed in BBC's Great British Menu multiple times. Originally from Mansfield, Nottingham, Sally has represented the Central region in the competition.#

Sally first appeared on GBM in 2020, and then again in 2022, where she had the honour of cooking the mini courses at the banquet held at Alexandra Palace. In 2025, she returned to the show for her third time.

Sally will take up her role at The Bull in April, where she will lead the kitchen team and collaborate with nearby Bruern Farms to enhance the pub’s farm-to-fork ethos.

The Bull is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors and offers a diverse menu of seasonal dishes which are sourced from nearby farms.

She will be replacing George Williams, who has left to head up The Bull’s upcoming sister site, The Fat Badger in Notting Hill.

This transition marks a return to gastropubs for Sally, who previously led the Michelin-starred Harwood Arms in Fulham.

Sally 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 just get cracking.”

The Bull, which opened in 2023, won a Michelin Bib Gourmand the following year.

It is part of the Public House group, which also operates popular London gastropubs The Pelican in Notting Hill and The Hero in Maida Vale.

James Gummer, founder of Public House group, added: “We are so excited to welcome Sally to The Bull. 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.”

Written by Abi Kinsella