Top: Rhodes: staying "for as long as it takes" Bottom: Rhodes will move on to Cumberland's fine- dining operation in May

Gary Rhodes will take over the brasserie and fine-dining operation at London's Cumberland hotel from next spring. He will start putting his team in place in February and will stay in the kitchen "for as long as it takes" to get the kitchens running smoothly.

"Whatever's happening there now won't be happening when I'm there," he said. "My personality will be introduced to the restaurant in more ways than just the food. People need to recognise there's a difference."

Thistle Hotels has revived the deal with Restaurant Associates, which currently runs the hotel's kitchens and works in partnership with Rhodes on several projects, including Rhodes Twenty Four at Tower 42 in the City of London.

The deal was initially struck with the Cumberland's previous owner Le Méridien before it had its assets seized a year and a half ago. New owner Thistle has now resurrected the contract for an undisclosed sum.

Rhodes said he would initially focus on getting the brasserie right and then move on to the fine-dining operation in May. He will not be overseeing the hotel's room service or conference and banqueting.

Thistle chief operating officer Beverly King said: "This will build the profile of the hotel, providing quality to match the level of style that the hotel has been refurbished to."