Premier League middlemen Fulham FC have announced four more star chefs as part of its new multi-million pound Riverside stand.
The west London club have brought in Sally Abe, Adam Handling, Judy Joo and Ben Murphy to lead on matchday menus at the Gourmet Restaurant – the club’s premium hospitality space – on rotation.
Most interesting of the lot might be Murphy, a talented chef who most recently led the brigade at the acclaimed Kensington restaurant Launceston Place. Murphy left in October after owners D&D London decided to shut up shop.
“The Riverside represents everything I love about hospitality – precision, passion, and creating unforgettable experiences,” said Murphy.
“I wanted to be a footballer as a kid and just as [Fulham manager] Marco Silva demands excellence from his players, I'll be bringing that same dedication to every dish we serve. This is fine dining with a genuine atmosphere.”
Fulham said its “new signings” will create seasonal menus tailored to each football fixture. What this means, exactly, remains a little unclear. Will dishes be pork-based when they host West Ham, for example?
Whatever the menus, the line-up shows serious intent by Fulham, which said it wants “to sit at the top of the Premier League’s fine dining table”, if not the actual Premier League.
Abe, who’s head of food at Cotswolds pub the Bull at Charlbury, said: “Fulham feels like the perfect match. The club's heritage combined with The Riverside's innovation mirrors my own approach to British cuisine. I can't wait to showcase what we can achieve when great food meets great football.”
Joo, meanwhile, is best known for appearing on various cookery shows in her native US, as well as for her group of Korean restaurants Seoul Bird, which she’ll bring to the Riverside stand when in situ.
“Korean food is all about bringing people together – it's comfort food that feels like a hug,” Joo said. “I'm excited to bring those bold Korean-American flavours I love to this amazing setting. Seoul Bird's philosophy has always been about fun, vibrant food, and that energy feels perfect for matchday.”
Less is known what Handling will bring to the table, though if it’s anything like his Michelin-starred restaurant Frog, Fulham fans will be in luck.
The four join existing chefs Alex Dilling and Oli Marlow, with new restaurants, bars, and an outdoor swimming pool also part of the development.
Fulham drew their first match of the 2025/26 season 1-1. They were away at Brighton, who look destined for relegation.
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