Barrafina Appoints Patricia Roig as International Executive Chef
Barrafina Welcomes Patricia Roig as International Executive Chef
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Patricia Roig as International Executive Chef – a newly created role that will shape the culinary direction of Barrafina’s international openings, beginning with our first Dubai site in DIFC, in partnership with Anthem Hospitality.
Chef Roig joins Barrafina with over two decades of international culinary experience spanning Europe, the United Kingdom, Latin America, and the Middle East. Her remarkable career has been shaped by some of the world’s most respected kitchens, including Newman Street Tavern, Lima London, ROKA London, and the Michelin-starred Abantal and Lillas Pastia in Spain – a pedigree that reflects precisely the depth of talent and creative rigour Barrafina seeks as it continues to grow internationally.
Most recently, Chef Roig served as Executive Chef at BOCA in Dubai, where she guided the restaurant to outstanding international recognition in under two and a half years, including a #12 ranking on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, a Michelin Green Star for sustainability, the Sustainable Restaurant Special Award, and 1 Toque in the Gault & Millau UAE Guide. Her leadership at BOCA stands as a testament to her ability to build world-class culinary programmes from the ground up – precisely the capability Barrafina needs as it enters exciting new markets.
“Patricia is an exceptional talent and her cooking is defined by precision, integrity and a deep respect for ingredients – qualities that resonate profoundly with Barrafina. As we extend our presence internationally, her leadership ensures we carry forward not just our standards, but the spirit and simplicity at the heart of our kitchens.”
– Anna Watkins, Managing Director, Barrafina Group
A respected voice in sustainable gastronomy, Patricia has spoken at Gulfood 2024 and 2025, and during COP28 co-hosted an event alongside Bill Gates exploring the relationship between food systems and climate action.
“Barrafina holds a very special place in the story of Spanish food in the world. To be part of its international future is a privilege I do not take lightly. I look forward to bringing everything I have learned across my career to this role – championing the very best of Spanish cuisine, with honesty, creativity, and a deep commitment to sustainability, wherever in the world Barrafina opens its doors.” – Patricia Roig
We’ll be sharing more about our international plans in the months ahead.
In other news…
Private Parties and Events
We have several private dining room or exclusive hire options across our venues, suitable for both intimate parties and larger events. If you can’t find what you are looking for, our events team are happy to discuss a personally tailored event.
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Our Brands
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Taken from the Spanish word, ‘parrilla’, meaning grill, our two restaurants, Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross, and Borough Yards in London Bridge, celebrate Spanish cooking over fire.
The Drop is a relaxed wine bar nestled in the Victorian stone arches of Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross.
A Spanish wine and cocktail bar in Borough Yards
