Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Renowned for his culinary skill, creativity, and leadership in fine dining, James Goodyear is now Executive Head Chef at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High in 22 Bishopsgate, where he led the restaurant to its first Michelin star in 2026.
James began his career at two-Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons under Raymond Blanc, refining his technical skills over five years. He further honed his craft at two-Michelin-starred Mugaritz in Spain and three-Michelin-starred Maaemo in Norway, contributing to its third star, alongside training at Per Se and Amass.
Back in the UK, James excelled as Head Chef at Welbourne Restaurants, launching three venues across the UK and Spain. At Evelyn’s Table, he earned a Michelin star in 2023 and retained it in 2024, with the restaurant appearing on the National Restaurant Awards’ Top 100 list.
His accolades include the William Heptinstall Award in 2013 and the Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Award in 2012.
Q: Away from the kitchen, what personal experiences or values have most shaped who you are today?
A: Spending time outdoors has always been important to me. Nature, sport, and staying active give me balance and perspective, and they strongly influence how I approach my work. Being outside helps me reset, stay focused, and appreciate simplicity – values that naturally carry through into the kitchen and the way I think about food.
Q: How would you describe your cooking philosophy now, and how has it evolved over the course of your career?
A: My cooking is classically French trained and that foundation comes through in everything I do. I draw inspiration from the places I’ve worked – particularly Scandinavia and across Europe – to shape a more modern, nature-led approach focused on seasonality and produce. At Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High, our philosophy is about evolving the spirit of flagship Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and respecting its legacy and standards, while expressing them in a more contemporary way.
Q: When you reflect on the journey to opening Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High, what stands out to you the most?
A: I would say spending time with Gordon and understanding the history of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. That experience has given me a real sense of what it means to build something connected to such a legacy. It’s been a steep learning curve, carrying the pressure and standards that come with leading something of this level.
Take a seat in the sky at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High’s 12-seat Chef’s Table inside 22 Bishopsgate. Awarded a Michelin star in the 2026 Michelin Guide, this intimate dining experience is just a short walk from Liverpool Street station.
Discover more behind the scenes of the six-part Netflix documentary, Being Gordon Ramsay. Find out what it really means to transform preparation into performance, then reserve your place at the table and experience it for yourself.