670 Grams appoints head chef

Sacha previously held roles at The Man Behind The Curtain, Leeds, and The Rabbit in the Moon, Manchester, before moving to her adopted home of Birmingham to become sous chef at 670 Grams in 2020, after the birth of her daughter in 2019.

Townsend officially takes on the role of head chef at the end of this month (April), taking over from Kray Treadwell, who has become the restaurant’s executive chef. Kray will continue to work alongside Sacha at 670 Grams on a daily basis, as well as assisting with dish development and chef collaborations, Kray is also working on several up-and-coming projects, which will be revealed later this year.

Sacha commented: “I’m excited to be taking on my new role at 670 Grams, and I’m also looking forward to continuing to build on what we are about, showcasing the vibrant flavours of the city. Drawing from the rich cultural tapestry that makes it such an amazing place to be, to continue to deliver our globally inspired menus using the highest quality ingredients.’’

Adding: ‘’But alongside that, I’m also looking forward to continuing to encourage young people, particularly females, thinking of joining the industry to join us on our journey as we look to develop our team for the future, by providing opportunities, including stagiaires and apprenticeships. Something really important to me, mirroring the opportunities I had to learn the all-round skills necessary to become an accomplished chef in a modern and innovative kitchen.’’

Kray Treadwell commented: “Sacha is a real talent in the kitchen, and from the day she walked through the door at Man Behind The Curtain, where I first met her, I knew that we’d found someone special. So, I’m delighted she’s taken up the role as Head Chef at 670 Grams. I’m particularly excited about continuing to work with her and the team to further develop our relationships with quality regional producers to be able to continue to deliver the flavourful and innovative menus 670 Grams is known for.’’

About: Sacha Townsend, Leeds-born and raised, moved to Birmingham to take up a sous chef role at 670 Grams in early 2020 as the restaurant first opened its doors, where she has been since, assisting Kray in developing the restaurant.

Before that, Sacha worked across all sections at The Man Behind The Curtain from 2015 until 2019. During which she also spent time developing her skills, working in kitchens in Finland and Spain, and closer to home at The Star Inn at Harome and Midsummer House.

Sacha was promoted to sous chef at Michael O’Hare’s Manchester restaurant, The Rabbit In The Moon, in 2017, working alongside former head chef Luke Cockerill until 2018, before returning to work at The Man Behind The Curtain in her native Leeds, alongside head chef Kray Treadwell, before the birth of her daughter in 2019 and a move to Birmingham. In 2019, Sacha, working with Kray, got to know the culinary scene in her adopted city of Birmingham, hosting regular pop-ups in different areas of the city to trial and develop the culinary style for debut restaurant 670 Grams.

Recently developing and launching a new menu at 670 Grams, Sacha has already begun to make an impact and is helping to build and add to the work Kray and his team have undertaken in the years since the restaurant opened its doors in 2020.

Sacha has already worked with Kray to introduce several dishes to the menu, including Cured Cod Loin, cooked in beef fat, served with Goma Dare sauce, roasted cauliflower, BBQ bone oil, pickled herb stalks and a crispy steamed bun.

670 Grams serves three menus, which can be viewed: https://670grams.com/menus/

670’s Signature Tasting Menu, available at dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, served from 7pm to 9pm and on the last Sunday of each month, served from 3pm to 6pm.

670’s Signature Lunch Tasting Menu, available from Thursday to Saturday, served from 1pm to 3pm.

As well as offering a pared-back 5/50 menu available Thursday to Saturday for lunch and Thursday to Friday at dinner.

Guests are welcome to arrive early for an aperitif in our Lounge, which opens from 12pm Thursday to Saturday, and from 5pm Wednesday to Saturday.

Every course served at 670 Grams draws inspiration from across Birmingham, featuring elements from local landmarks such as Digbeth, home to the oldest building in Birmingham and the original Bird's Custard Factory; Bournville, known for its chocolate; the famous Balti Triangle along Stratford Road; and Hurst Street, Ladywell Walk, and Pershore Street, the heart of Chinatown.

The combination of the setting and the menus provides diners with the opportunity to be fully immersed in Birmingham's essence, successfully blending its industrial past with a modern future, and highlighting the cultural milestones that have shaped this welcoming city over the centuries.