James Metcalfe joins Bellevue Hotel in Paddington

Former Becasse head chef James Metcalfe has landed at the Bellevue Hotel in Paddington, placing himself at the epicentre of arguably the richest cluster of fine-dining trained chefs in Sydney.

Metcalfe is a Buddy Franklin torpedo kick away from Guillaume Brahimi's new restaurant, Guillaume, and the former Quay and Bennelong chef is, in turn, a hand pass from former Banc chef Colin Fassnidge at the Four in Hand.

Metcalfe's old boss, Justin North, isn't far from the gaggle, performing his culinary tricks at the Centennial Hotel.

The Bellevue's restaurant is a little worn around the edges, but Metcalfe says it will get a revamp in early 2015.

The hotel, previously owned by a group which includes John Singleton, was recently purchased by the WDS Hotel Group.

"I'll spend a couple of weeks running it how it is then make changes to the menu," Metcalfe says.