A chef who worked under Gordon Ramsay died after being punched five times in the head during the Notting Hill Carnival, a court heard.
Omar Wilson, 31, attended the Old Bailey on Monday accused of attacking 41-year-old chef Mussie Imnetu outside the Dr Power restaurant in Queensway on Aug 26.
Mr Imnetu was found unconscious with a head injury at about 11.22pm and received immediate medical attention at the scene before being taken to hospital where he died on Aug 30.
Wilson was originally charged with causing grievous bodily harm but the charge was changed to murder after Mr Imnetu’s death, the court heard.
Julian Winship, prosecuting, outlined the facts of the case, alleging Wilson “headbutted” Mr Imnetu after the two interacted “in the area” of the carnival.
Around 70 seconds later, Wilson allegedly “punched the deceased five times to his head” and continued “punching him to the head” after he fell to the floor, Mr Winship told the court.
Wilson, of Leytonstone, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the short hearing.
He was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at the same court on Nov 25.
A provisional trial date was also set for Feb 3 next year, with the case expected to last two weeks.
Mr Imnetu had been visiting the UK on business from Dubai where he lived and worked as a chef, the Metropolitan Police said.
He left The Arts Club, a private members-only club in Mayfair, on his own shortly after 1pm on Aug 26, wearing a blue T-shirt and black jeans.
Mr Imnetu is said to have later bought a white baseball cap before arriving alone at the Dr Power restaurant, which was busy with carnival attendees, at about 10.30pm.
During his career, he worked under celebrity chefs Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, as well as Alain Ducasse, according to the The Arts Club Dubai website.