Florence Knight, head chef at Polpetto restaurant, culinary author and one of the most talked-about chefs in London, is joining The Sunday Times.

As The Sunday Times cook, she will contribute recipes and ideas every week that are both inspirational and simple to prepare and serve.

Her dishes are memorable for their use of fresh ingredients, prepared and presented without fuss or unnecessary embellishment, to allow their qualities to speak for themselves.

Florence earned widespread acclaim at London’s renowned Polpetto, where she established herself as one of the leading young talents of London’s restaurant scene.

Her first dishes will appear in The Dish, the cookery section of The Sunday Times Magazine, on May 17. She joins a stellar line-up that includes superstar chef Jamie Oliver, part of a team dedicated to giving Sunday Times readers unrivalled food coverage, and contributing to the world-class journalism they enjoy every Sunday.

Florence takes over from Gizzi Erskine who is stepping down as the newspaper's current cook to concentrate on her TV and writing work. However, Gizzi, who joined the magazine in 2013, will still regularly contribute her inimitable blend of recipes to The Dish.

Florence Knight says:

I feel very privileged to be working with The Sunday Times. Food is my life, and I’m really looking forward to sharing my recipes which are grounded in simplicity and a love of the very best seasonal, home-grown ingredients.”

The Sunday Times food editor, Laurel Ives, says:

Since Florence became head chef of Polpetto in Soho, she’s been hailed as one of the rising stars of London’s restaurant scene. Critics and punters have raved about her delicious cooking, based on the very best seasonal ingredients.

Florence is a British success story who delights in home-grown produce and traditions, and I’m delighted that she will be creating achievable new recipes, exclusively for our readers.”