Joel Antunes returns to London as executive chef at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge

French chef Joel Antunes has returned to London after more than a decade abroad and has taken on the role of executive chef at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel, which is set to open early next year.

Antunes worked in the capital between 1991 and 1996 as chef-partner of the former Michelin-starred restaurant Les Saveurs. He then moved to the USA where he launched his eponymous Joel Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as holding executive chef positions with the Ritz Carlton Dining Room in the city and the Oak Room at The Plaza in New York.

In his new role at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, Antunes will be responsible for all of the property’s food and beverage operations. His remit will include a 200-seat signature restaurant, a 30-seat sushi restaurant, a bar and pastry counter as well as all conference and banqueting catering and 24-hour room service.

Andrew Swindells, general manager at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, said Antunes’s experience of heading up the kitchens of some of the world’s top hotels made him the perfect candidate for the role.

Antunes added: “The [London] restaurant scene has changed dramatically in the decade since I last worked here – people are so much better educated about food and wine and it is now one of the most exciting food capitals of the world.”

Opening early next year on London’s South Bank, the £350m Park Plaza Westminster Bridge will feature more than 1,000 bedrooms, 2,700sq m of meeting space and a luxury spa.

Jérôme Ponchelle takes head chef role at London’s Capital hotel >>

Park Plaza revenues down in tough market >>

Les Saveurs faces permanent closure >>

By Kerstin Kühn

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