Alanna Sapwell’s shock new gig

She’s a former Courier-Mail Chef of the Year, but now this coveted Queensland kitchen queen has taken on a new role sure to stun foodies.

Award-winning Queensland chef Alanna Sapwell is moving across the border for a new gig.

The former Courier-Mail Chef of the Year and front woman of now-defunct Arc Dining at Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves will take on the role of head chef at acclaimed restaurant Beach Byron Bay from February.

“I’m so looking forward to joining the Beach Byron Bay team,” said the culinary star, who was originally planning to open her own restaurant next year after running a series of successful pop-ups across the country in the past 18 months under the brand name Esmay.

“There is such a lovely, natural synergy in our core values and I’m excited to hit the ground running come February.”

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Beach Byron Bay is owned by Belinda and Ben Kirkwood and hospitality group Fink (Otto Ristorante, South Bank; Quay and Bennelong, Sydney) and has become a hotspot in the holiday haven for its unrivalled beach views and simple Mediterranean menu.

Sapwell promises to bring her fervent approach to local cuisine and ethical and sustainable produce to the venue, and is already meeting with local suppliers to nurture her paddock-to-plate and sea-to-table ethos.

“We are confident she will bring her incredible passion and leadership to the team and her creativity to the menu, all while maintaining our ongoing commitment to showcasing the best produce and producers based in the greater Northern Rivers community,” said Ben Kirkwood.

Current head chef Simon Palmer will continue in the role until January, before handing over the reins to Sapwell, who is currently busy with a series of events for champagne house Veuve Clicquot, for which she is an ambassador.