Williams set to join rival Ritz

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	Williams: great love for the Ritz

John Williams, maître chef de cuisine at Claridge's, is quitting the Mayfair hotel to join Piccadilly giant and rival, the Ritz. The move comes after previous Ritz executive chef Dominique Blais left his post last week. He had been at the hotel for a year. Williams said he was "ecstatic" to be taking on the job as executive head chef at the Ritz, and added: "People who know me know that I have always had a great love for the Ritz. The restaurant is one of the very best in London, nothing but stately." Ritz general manager Stephen Boxall confirmed that Williams would be starting in mid- to late June. He said: "The Ritz is looking for stability and deserves the best. Now I've found it." Williams said he would be sticking to the traditional fine dining associated with the 110-cover Ritz restaurant. He will also take control of the Palm Court (including afternoon tea), the Rivoli Bar, banqueting, private dining and room service. He will lead a brigade of 45 chefs. Williams first joined Claridge's in 1987 before returning in 1994 as maître chef de cuisine. Williams said the reopening of Claridge's restaurant in 2001 in partnership with Gordon Ramsay Holdings had nothing to do with his decision to leave.