Powerplant Camden appoints new head chef

Hostel-cum-co-working hospitality brand Selina has appointed a new head chef at the in-house restaurant of its Camden outpost.

Canadian-born Benjamin Smith is now head chef at Powerplant – Selina Camden's plant-based restaurant and music venue. Smith joins the team with experience spanning more than 15 years, after relocating to London from Canada in 2023. 

Having been trained by different chefs all over the world, Smith has a breadth of knowledge when it comes to regional cuisines, allowing him to draw on flavours and techniques from different countries to inspire his cooking. 

Before joining Powerplant, Smith worked and trained with chef Castro Boatend at one of Western Australia's most acclaimed restaurants, Aerie Resort. His experience also includes working at the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia's residence, where he frequently cooked for ambassadors, diplomats and royalty.

Smith has launched a new seasonal menu at Powerplant to mark his latest post, including such dishes as trofie pesto pasta, Parmigiana di melanzane and homemade tiramisu.

"I have experience in a range of roles, from bartending to cooking in both restaurants and hotels, but it is cooking that is my passion," says Smith. "I enjoy creating fun and memorable experiences for people, and serving great food is a really effective way to do that.

"I am very excited to be working with the team at Powerplant and to be able to use my creativity and draw on my previous experience to showcase the very best of Italian vegan and vegetarian dishes."

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