Larry Jayasekara

Chef Profile of Larry Jayasekara

Larry Jayasekara, a Sri Lankan-born chef, has built an exceptional career defined by a rare combination of creativity, classic technique, and refined culinary expertise. After studying at South Devon College in England, Larry honed his craft under some of the most renowned chefs in Britain and France, including Marcus Wareing, Alain Roux, Michel Bras, Raymond Blanc, and Gordon Ramsay. This eclectic yet rigorous training provided him with the skills to merge traditional techniques with innovative culinary ideas, establishing his reputation as a leader in the world of fine dining.

By the time he became Head Chef at Pétrus in Belgravia, Larry had already achieved significant recognition, including winning the Craft Guild of Chefs’ National Chef of the Year Award in 2016. His work at Pétrus not only helped maintain the restaurant’s Michelin Star but also earned him a place among the top chefs in the UK. During his time there, Larry formed a close relationship with the legendary chef Pierre Koffmann, who became both a mentor and a friend.

It was also at Pétrus that Larry met Tim Jefferies, the owner of Hamiltons Gallery in Mayfair. Tim was hosting exclusive private dinners at the gallery and sought Larry’s expertise. After 14 years of intense kitchen work, Larry decided to step back from the high-pressure restaurant world to spend more time with his young son and to travel. He took on the opportunity to help Tim with the gallery dinners, which quickly proved to be a resounding success.

A New Chapter: The Cocochine

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Larry’s career took an unexpected but rewarding turn. As lockdowns confined people to their homes, Larry channeled his energy into a charity initiative with Help Them Help Us, providing over 212,000 hot meals to front-line workers at University College Hospitals in London. This selfless endeavor earned him the Fortnum & Mason Special Award in recognition of his contributions during such a difficult time.

Building on the success of the exclusive dinners at Hamiltons Gallery, Larry and Tim began to discuss the idea of opening their own restaurant. They used the pandemic’s downtime to research venues, and by late 2021, they had secured a mews house in Bruton Place, nestled in the heart of Mayfair, as the site for their new venture. This space would become the home of The Cocochine, a restaurant reflecting Larry’s commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients, creating exceptional dining experiences, and offering a personal touch of hospitality.

When The Cocochine opened its doors in March 2024, it marked the culmination of Larry’s culinary journey — from his early training in England to his work with some of the world’s most celebrated chefs, to his time as a Michelin-starred head chef, and now, to the creation of his own restaurant in the heart of Mayfair.

The Cocochine is not just a restaurant, but a reflection of Larry’s global experiences, a celebration of seasonality, and an expression of his belief in the joy of sharing a meal. Every dish is a testament to his roots, creativity, and commitment to using the finest ingredients, with the same passion for excellence that has defined his career.