Angela Hartnett has announced the launch of a structured residency programme at her Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant Murano, designed to support emerging female chefs at a pivotal point in their careers. The programme will offer two placements per year of six months each, covering every section of the Murano kitchen alongside one-to-one mentoring with Hartnett and the senior leadership team.
Applications for the first cohort open today, with the inaugural residency scheduled to begin in September 2026.
The programme
Each resident chef will work alongside the full Murano brigade across all sections — from prep and larder through to the pass — on a standard employed basis with full pay at London Living Wage or above. The placement is structured as a working position rather than a traditional stage, meaning residents are integrated into the kitchen as contributing team members from the outset.
Beyond the kitchen, the programme includes monthly one-to-one sessions with Hartnett, a mentoring network connecting residents with former Murano alumni now working across the industry, and introductions to suppliers, producers and other chefs in Hartnett's professional network.
"There's no shortage of talented young women coming out of culinary education," Hartnett said. "What they often lack is access — to the right kitchens, the right conversations, the right people. This is about opening some of those doors."
Background
Hartnett has been a consistent voice on the representation of women in professional kitchens for more than two decades. The Murano residency formalises a commitment she has long expressed informally — the restaurant has historically had a higher proportion of female chefs at senior level than comparable London kitchens.
The programme has been developed in partnership with the Springboard charity, which will assist with applications and candidate selection. Candidates are assessed on culinary skill, attitude and potential rather than prior experience at a specific level, with the programme specifically designed to reach candidates who might not otherwise consider applying to a Michelin-starred operation.
Applications
Applications are open to female-identifying chefs currently working in a professional kitchen at any level in the UK. Candidates should have a minimum of two years' professional kitchen experience. The application process includes a written statement and, for shortlisted candidates, a trial service at Murano.
Full details and application forms are available via the Springboard website from today.