Royal Horseguards appoints Xavier Mouret as executive chef

The Royal Horseguards hotel in Whitehall, London, has appointed Xavier Mouret as executive chef, with the aim of lifting the standard of its restaurant from two to three AA rosettes.

Mouret joins the 281-bedroom property from the Landmark London hotel where he worked at the Winter Garden restaurant. He was previously at Claridges, London, and the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Hotel.

Born in Paris, Mouret spent the early part of his career working in one and two-Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the city. In his new job he will oversee the hotel's banqueting in One Whitehall Palace, as well as run the Royal Horseguards' entire food and beverage offering following a £5m investment in the refurbishment of the restaurant, lounge and bar space.

"The Royal Horseguards regularly welcomes politicians, statesmen and diplomats from all over the world through its doors due to its location in the heart of Whitehall," said Mouret.

"Therefore the catering offering needs to be up there with some of the best in the world. Currently it's good. We intend to make it exceptional. The Guoman-owned hotel, which becomes a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts on 1 December, is now looking to appoint a new head chef.