Joel Antunes returns to London

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 has worked in acclaimed kitchens including Ledoyen and Troisgros in France and worked in London between 1991 and 1996 as chef-partner of the former Michelin-starred restaurant Les Saveurs.

He moved to the US 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, where things didn't end so well.

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.

Antunes said: "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."