What does it mean to you to be named in the Walpole 2022 Power List
I am so honoured and it means so much to me. This is recognition for all of my team here at The Dorchester too as I couldn’t do what I do without such a network of incredibly talented chefs around me. The Dorchester really is like a second home to me and preparing food for people is one of the most precious things you can do.
What have you achieved in the past year that you are most proud of?
We’ve done some fantastic and creative things over the past year, responding to the excitement of people being able to return to dining out. Over the summer we launched The Dorchester Rooftop and for a limited time I introduced a Sri Lankan menu, which gave me the opportunity to bring traditional dishes from my beloved home village to the guests of our hotel. We also launched a new Asian banqueting concept, the only one of its kind in London. We’re also incredibly proud of our work with Manorfield Primary, our partner school, and have had enormous fun working with the children both at the school and in our kitchens to help educate and inspire them about food.
What is 2022 set to look like for your business?
2022 is going to be a hugely exciting year for The Dorchester as we enter a major renovation in February. At the beginning of September, we’ll be ready to welcome people to see a stunning transformation of our famous entrance, The Promenade with its famous afternoon tea, our bar and two guest floors.
What are you most looking forward to professionally for 2022?
The team and I are so looking forward to this new chapter for The Dorchester. We’ve also got lots to focus on as we will remain open throughout the renovation. We’re busy creating some all-new experiences for our guests to enjoy during this momentous time. This includes a new afternoon tea offering in our beautiful Orchid Room and the relaunch of our rooftop restaurant and bar, which was so well received throughout the summer of this year. It’s going to be a busy and thrilling time and we’re ready for it.
See the Walpole Power List 2022 in full here.