Sally Abé Opens Teal Bistro in Hackney 2026

Key Points

• Sally Abé began her culinary career in 2007 at the Savoy Grill in London under Gordon Ramsay’s tutelage.
• She progressed through top London kitchens, becoming head chef at the Harwood Arms, where she retained its status as London’s only Michelin-starred pub for four years.
• Abé led and launched The Pem restaurant before moving to the Cotswolds as head chef of The Bull in Charlbury.
• She has appeared on television shows including Saturday Kitchen Live and Great British Menu, making her a familiar face to viewers.
• Teal, her first solo restaurant venture, opened on 26 March 2026 in Hackney, London, described as a “little British bistro.”
• Abé’s menu at Teal features reimagined British classics, modernised with elegance and whimsy, rooted in British flavours and combinations.
• One month after opening, Abé expressed immense satisfaction, calling Teal “everything I’ve been working towards” and a “lifelong dream” marking 20 years in the industry.
• The restaurant has generated vast industry excitement as Abé’s unequivocal personal project.

Hackney, London (Extra London News) April 30, 2026 – Acclaimed chef Sally Abé, fresh from two decades in Britain’s top kitchens, has launched Teal, her eagerly anticipated first solo restaurant in Hackney. Opened on 26 March 2026, the venue has quickly become a local favourite, blending whimsical British classics with modern elegance. In an exclusive interview with Country & Town House (C&TH), Abé reveals her journey from Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill to this personal milestone, marking 20 years in the industry.

Who is Sally Abé and What Defines Her Culinary Journey?

Sally Abé’s rise in British gastronomy began in 2007 at the Savoy Grill in London, where she trained under the formidable Gordon Ramsay. As detailed in the C&TH interview conducted by an unnamed staff writer, Abé

“emerged as one of Britain’s brightest chefs”

through the “forge-fire of the capital’s finest kitchens.”

Her career trajectory solidified during her tenure as head chef at the Harwood Arms, London’s only Michelin-starred pub at the time. According to the same C&TH report, she retained this prestigious accolade for four consecutive years.

Abé’s portfolio expanded when she led and launched The Pem restaurant. Later, she ventured to the Cotswolds, taking the helm as head chef at The Bull in Charlbury.

Her television appearances on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen Live and Great British Menu have endeared her to a wider audience, showcasing her skills beyond the pass. The Londoner News coverage emphasises that these experiences “confirm[ed] this position” as a top chef over 20 years.

Why Did Sally Abé Choose Hackney for Teal?

Hackney’s vibrant, evolving food scene provided the perfect canvas for Abé’s vision. As reported by the C&TH interviewer, the announcement of Teal was met with “vast industry excitement,” signalling her shift from tenanted roles to ownership.

Abé selected the east London borough for its community spirit and potential to host a “little British bistro,” a concept she describes as intimate and approachable.

In The Londoner News feature, Abé reflects on the location’s appeal: it allows her to create a space “rooted in tradition and completely my own.”

Hackney’s mix of locals and food enthusiasts aligns with her goal of a venue where diners

“switch off, and just enjoy being looked after properly.”

This choice marks a departure from her previous high-profile, countryside, or central London postings, embracing a neighbourhood gem.

When Did Teal Open and What Was the Initial Reception?

Teal officially welcomed its first diners on 26 March 2026. Just one month later, as of late April, Abé shared her elation in the C&TH interview. When asked, “A month in, how do you feel?”, she responded:

“Teal isn’t just a restaurant for me, it’s everything I’ve been working towards installed into one space. I’m so happy to have been able to create something that feels both rooted in tradition and completely my own, where people can come in, switch off, and just enjoy being looked after properly!”

The Londoner News corroborates this buzz, noting the

“vast industry excitement” pre-launch. Early reviews, echoed across sources, praise Teal as Hackney’s new favourite, with Abé

“in her complete power – crowned by a first solo venture that is unequivocally hers.”

No negative feedback appears in initial coverage, underscoring a strong start.

What Inspired Sally Abé to Finally Open Her Own Restaurant?

This year marks 20 years since Abé entered the restaurant world, a milestone that propelled Teal’s creation. In the C&TH piece, when prompted, “Talk me through what brought you to opening,” Abé stated: “Opening Teal has almost been a lifelong dream.

Most chefs want to open their own restaurant, do their own thing, and get to put what’s in their head on the plate. It’s so exciting to be able to find and be doing that myself.”

The Londoner News frames this as the culmination of her path from Savoy Grill protégé to independent force. After retaining Michelin honours at Harwood Arms, launching

The Pem, and helming The Bull, Abé sought autonomy. C&TH portrays her as entering “an era of whimsy,” shifting from structured top kitchens to a personal expression.

What Makes Teal’s Menu Unique?

Abé’s menu at Teal reimagines British classics with a modern twist. As she explains in the C&TH interview,

“The food is… Reimagined British classics, but – without being twee – the other day somebody described the food as quite ‘whimsical’, which I really liked. The idea is to bring British flavours and combinations, but modernise them with a touch of elegance.”

She further elaborates, per C&TH: her goal was to design something that

“bring[s] British flavours and combinations, but modernise[s] them with a touch of elegance.”

The Londoner News echoes this, calling it a “whimsical” menu despite its grounded British roots. Diners can expect elevated pub fare and bistro staples, infused with Abé’s signature finesse – think seasonal ingredients, precise techniques, and playful presentations without pretension.

How Does Sally Abé Describe Teal’s Atmosphere?

Teal embodies a “little British bistro” ethos, prioritising comfort and care. Abé told C&TH: “I’m so happy to have been able to create something that feels both rooted in tradition and completely my own.” The space invites guests to relax, contrasting the high-pressure environments of her past roles.

The Londoner News highlights Abé’s power in curating every detail, from the welcoming vibe to the “proper” service. It’s a place for whimsy amid elegance, where tradition meets innovation in a neighbourhood setting.

What Role Did Gordon Ramsay Play in Sally Abé’s Career?

Gordon Ramsay was instrumental in Abé’s early development. Starting at the Savoy Grill in 2007 “under the tutelage of Gordon Ramsay,” as noted by The Londoner News, she honed her skills in his demanding kitchen. C&TH credits this “forge-fire” for forging her into one of Britain’s brightest.

This foundation propelled her to Michelin success at Harwood Arms and beyond. Abé’s TV spots further amplified Ramsay’s influence, blending his precision with her creativity.

Has Sally Abé Won Any Awards for Her Work?

Yes, her leadership at the Harwood Arms earned sustained Michelin recognition. The Londoner News specifies she retained its star – as London’s only Michelin-starred pub – for four years. C&TH positions her as an “award-winning chef,” though specific additional accolades beyond this are not detailed in the sources.

Why Is Teal Considered Hackney’s New Favourite?

Early acclaim stems from Abé’s pedigree and the menu’s appeal. C&TH meets her as a chef “in her complete power,” with Teal fulfilling a dream. The Londoner News notes its rapid rise, driven by whimsical British fare in a cosy bistro.

Industry excitement, per both outlets, underscores its status. One month in, Abé’s joy reflects positive diner feedback, positioning Teal as a must-visit.

What’s Next for Sally Abé and Teal?

Abé’s focus remains on Teal’s growth, embedding her vision permanently. C&TH’s interview suggests an “era of whimsy,” hinting at menu evolutions. With 20 years celebrated, future expansions could follow, but sources emphasise this as her uncompromised debut.