Joel Antunes back as executive chef at Park Plaza Westminster

Joel Antunes returning to the capital

Highly acclaimed chef Joel Antunes, is returning to London as executive chef at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, where he will oversee dining operations across the whole of the hotel.

Antunes will be responsible for the hotel's 200-seat signature restaurant, 30-seat sushi restaurant, premium coffee shop, lounge, bar and signature pastry counter, as well as overseeing all conference and event banqueting and 24-hour room service operations.

A chef of international renown, Antunes first hit the London restaurant scene between 1991 and 1996 as executive chef and partner of Michelin-starred Les Saveurs.

Since then, he has launched a multi-award winning eponymous venture, Joel Restaurant in America, as well as holding executive chef positions with the Ritz Carlton Dining Room in Atlanta and the Oak Room at The Plaza in New York.

Joel Antunes, executive chef, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, said: "The restaurant scene has changed dramatically in the decade since I last worked here – people are so much better educated about food and wine and London is now one of the most exciting food capitals of the world."

Andrew Swindells, general manager, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, said: "Joel is hugely respected within the industry and his many years of experience heading up the kitchens of some of the world's finest hotels means he is the perfect chef to propel Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London into a class of its own when it comes to dining in the capital."

Between now and the launch of Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London in early 2010, Antunes will concentrate on creating all menu offerings and developing a brigade of chefs to support the ambitious launch.

Opening early next year on London's South Bank, the £350 million Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London will be the largest purpose built hotel to open in the capital in a generation.

The hotel will feature views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, more than 1,000 guest rooms, 2,700 square metres of meeting space including a 1,200 square metre ballroom and a luxury spa.

Words: Clare Riley

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