Originally working as a senior sous chef at the London Fifteen, Appleton was part of the team that launched the famous restaurant with Jamie Oliver. He brings plentiful experience in the trademark Italian food the restaurant is known for, including a role as head chef at the Italian style Tabernacle Bar and Grill before returning to Fifteen in Cornwall. Jamie Oliver has said: "I'm delighted that Andy's got the job as he's a brilliant chef and has been a true inspiration to the apprentices both in Cornwall and London who have already worked with him. He's been a part of the Fifteen family for a good few years now and he's the perfect man for the job."