Kirk Westaway

Multi-award-winning and internationally renowned chef, Kirk Westaway, is one of the most dynamic, creative, and celebrated maestros in the Michelin star dining scene.

Drawing from his English heritage and extensive culinary training under world-renowned chefs, Kirk is recognised for his mastery in reinventing gastronomic classics that are both comforting and refined. Born in South West Britain, Chef Kirk has redefined JAAN by channeling his passion for natural flavors reminiscent of his childhood in England. His evolving menu embodies a seasonal philosophy, showcasing British dining in a modern, refreshing light.

From conceptualising his culinary direction and selecting the world’s best gourmet suppliers to personalizing bespoke tableware and curating specially designed furniture, subtle shifts in JAAN’s dining experience over the years have led Chef Kirk and his team to emphasize Modern British cuisine. This culminated in the rebranding of JAAN to JAAN by Kirk Westaway in June 2019. A testament to Chef Kirk’s passion for elevating British dining through a modern lens, the restaurant earned a coveted Michelin star and rose to a two-star ranking in 2021, retaining it in 2022.

The recent comprehensive transformation, with the restaurant reopening on December 6, further emphasises the Modern British message. The refurbished space pays homage to the uniquely diverse terroir of Devon, from the colour palette to the choice of materials, furnishings, and lighting, offering guests an even more authentic and elevated British experience.

“Through my personal journey with food, from harvesting organic fruits and vegetables in my family’s backyard as a child to becoming Executive Chef at JAAN in 2015, I am now led by two culinary philosophies,” says Chef Kirk. “The first is to always uphold the integrity of the produce and translate the best of each ingredient onto the plate. The second is that food should be comforting and form emotional connections. It is my mission to present our guests with an unforgettable meal that evokes nostalgia through familiar yet elegant flavours of the finest seasonal produce the world has to offer.”

Before JAAN, Chef Kirk honed his skills in some of the best kitchens in the world, under culinary masterminds such as Chef Alex Atala of D.O.M., Chef Raymond Patterson of Patterson’s London, and Chef Antonin Bonnet, who formerly helmed the two Michelin-starred Greenhouse in London. Westaway credits his friend and mentor, Chef Julien Royer of Odette, who was previously Executive Chef at JAAN, for opening his culinary chapter in Singapore, where he has lived since 2011.

JAAN by Kirk Westaway continues to enthral and educate diners on the myriad intricate nuances that Modern British dining has to offer.