News
The Dorchester welcomes
The Grill by Tom Booton
The Grill by Tom Booton has officially been relaunched, with its executive chef boldly steering The Dorchester’s fabled destination restaurant into a new creative era. Essex-born Tom is one of London’s most exciting chef talents, and at The Grill by Tom Booton he has created a dynamic menu featuring only the best ingredients, sourced locally and cooked with flair.
“Seeing the new sign go up above the door was a surreal moment for me,” he says. “I feel so grateful to be a part of such an exciting team here at The Dorchester.”
Tom’s personality shines through on his menu, which features modern twists on British favourites. His playful approach is underpinned by the upbeat atmosphere of the restaurant, with music playlists curated by the chef himself.
“The reaction to the new menu has been incredible,” he continues. “Guests are excited by the idea of elevated home-cooked classics, and the launch of our breakfast offering has been particularly popular. It is a simple concept that offers delicious food done well and served quickly – it is a great option for locals looking for a quick bite to start the day.”
The Grill by Tom Booton heralds the beginning of a new era as The Dorchester renovation reaches the conclusion of its first phase.
45 Park Lane sets a new benchmark for omakase dining
A new dining destination has opened at 45 Park Lane with the launch of Sushi Kanesaka this July. An intimate and traditional 13-seater omakase counter restaurant, this is the first restaurant outside of Asia Pacific for chef Shinji Kanesaka, the renowned sushi artisan behind Tokyo’s Sushi Kanesaka, which has retained two Michelin stars since 2018.
“I am honoured to introduce our culinary heritage and passion for sushi to 45 Park Lane, with some of my team and chefs from Sushi Kanesaka in Tokyo,” Shinji told guests at the opening.
Housed behind a discreet doorway within the hotel’s contemporary and luxurious surrounds, Sushi Kanesaka sets a new benchmark for omakase dining in the city, with delicacies prepared and executed by masters of the art.
For general manager Lee Kelly, the addition of Shinji’s culinary expertise is a thrilling moment for the hotel: “I have always admired chef Shinji Kanesaka,” he enthuses. “Sushi Kanesaka will honour the true art and essence of Edomae sushi.”
Coworth Park launches cancer touch therapy
The team at Coworth Park has introduced a ground-breaking cancer care therapy for its spa guests: the Hand on Heart Back, Face and Scalp Treatment.
Teresa O’Farrell, global head of wellness and spa at Dorchester Collection and spa director at Coworth Park, explains, “We launched Hand on Heart to be able to offer safe and relaxing cancer touch therapies to anyone undergoing treatments or living with the disease.”
Coworth Park is renowned for its commitment to holistic wellbeing and exceptional guest experiences. Informed by the profound understanding of the physical and emotional challenges faced by cancer patients and survivors, the touch treatment aims to rebalance and soothe the upper body through a combination of deep-breathing exercises and slow massage techniques.
“The training the therapists completed is at CIBTAC level, which is the highest standard of training within the spa industry,” says Teresa. To this end, they approach the treatment with the utmost care and sensitivity and provide a safe space for guests to embark on a journey of tranquillity and healing in this thoughtful and important new initiative.
The Beverly Hills Hotel appoints a new culinary director
Chef Ashley James has been appointed culinary director of iconic The Beverly Hills Hotel to oversee its entire food operation. including all restaurants, banquets and in-room dining.
Ashley brings to the position more than 30 years’ experience of cooking in prestigious kitchens throughout the world including England, France, Spain, Singapore, Mexico, Germany, Argentina and the United States. He spent 18 years with the Four Seasons brand across multiple properties and most recently was vice president of culinary at Di Bruno Bros, Philadelphia, PA.
“We are delighted to welcome Ashley James as our new culinary director,” says John Scanlon, general manager of The Beverly Hills Hotel. “With his exceptional talent and innovative approach to global cuisine, we look forward to elevating our dining offerings to new heights and continuing to create memorable experiences for each and every guest.”
New pastry chef
for Hotel Bel-Air
The sublimely talented Christophe Rull has been appointed as the new executive pastry chef at Hotel Bel-Air.
French-born Christophe’s career took off in a Michelin-starred restaurant when he was only 16, and he has since worked in some of the world’s most prestigious establishments, participated in international competitions, and been a part of Netflix’s Bake Squad. Aged 36, he won ‘US Chocolate Master’ at the World Chocolate Masters American semi-finals in Chicago in 2021. Last autumn, he competed at the 2021-22 World Chocolate Masters event in Paris, placing fifth overall.
In his new role, Christophe is responsible for overseeing the pastry offerings at the iconic hotel, including the Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air, the popular Bar & Lounge, in-room dining and banquets and events.
“I do believe that everything happens for a reason in life,” he says. “And, after two years of training, I was lucky enough to find the incredible opportunity to be the pastry chef at Hotel Bel-Air. Aligning my name with such a talented pastry team within Dorchester Collection is truly an honour.” Welcome Christophe!
Children’s day at Hotel Principe di Savoia
Who says you should never work with children? At Hotel Principe di Savoia, the former were welcomed with open arms at its ‘Children in the Office’ day.
A corporate event with a twist, and a chance to merge professional commitments with the joys of family life, children were invited to come to ‘work’ and discover where their mums or dads spend a significant part of their days. ‘Luna Park’-themed games and activities were enjoyed alongside candy floss and hotdogs.
The initiative was a unique opportunity for employees to create special moments with their children, who could immerse themselves in a working environment in an engaging way to gain a deeper understanding of the adults’ daily activities. Perhaps it even inspired a new generation of Dorchester Collection employees…
Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Hotel Eden
Dorchester Collection’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging themes took pride of place in the employee summer programme at Hotel Eden, led by a powerful LGBTQIA+-themed photographic exhibition that showcased the pivotal events and historical figures who fought for the establishment of LGBTQIA+ rights. The exhibition has proved so popular that it is now permanent.
Specially crafted treats and gatherings also took place in the employee canteen throughout Pride Month. Hotel Eden is proud to raise sensitivity for and understanding of diversity among its employees. Its culture considers diversity to be an invaluable treasure and, driven by this vision, its employees are encouraged to spread an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Écotable award for Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse
Amaury Bouhours and his team, along with Marine Deconinck, CSR officer at Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, have once again proved that luxury and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
Proving its 2022 Écotable three-label award to be no flash in the pan, the restaurant has renewed it for another year in a showcase of its firm commitment to the certification.
Écotable is a French consultancy that accompanies restaurants on their journey to reducing their environmental impacts. Three Écotable labels are awarded to restaurants who are, in its words, “an example to all, who use ingredients that are sourced locally, sort and recycle bio-waste, and use no high-processed food,” among other rigorously tested criteria.
There is still a way to go: during the audit, Écotable pointed out areas for improvement. However, employees are relishing the challenge to make improvements for the benefit of all. Congratulations to the team!
Hôtel Plaza Athénée celebrates its 110th anniversary
This year marks Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s 110th anniversary. To celebrate, employees are seizing the opportunity to look back on key moments of this emblematic destination on avenue Montaigne. The hotel has chosen the motto ‘Once upon a time, the palace of tomorrow’ to reflect the past 110 years.
The hotel and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées opened in 1913. It was to become one of the most sought-after addresses in the French capital. Nestled between avenue Montaigne’s fashion houses, the hotel offered guests tailored services, carving itself a position in the world of haute couture and, in 2011, receiving the distinction of Palace.
From its links to Christian Dior to its beautiful historic spaces, including La Galerie, Le Relais Plaza brasserie and its stunning rooms and suites, the hotel has graced the small and silver screen many times: a testament to its enduring status.