Lancaster Hotel appoints new exec chef

Purton, who was previously executive chef at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, will oversee the hotel’s two restaurants, Island Grill and Nipa Thai as well as its banqueting facilities for up to 3,000 guests, room service menus and Lounge Bar.

Leading an 85-strong kitchen brigade, Purton will refine and re-launch the hotel’s afternoon tea offering, as well as making menu improvements to achieve a five-star dining experience across the hotel.

He will continue to add more sustainable and locally sourced produce to the menu of Island Grill and Nipa, which already hold a three star rating for sustainability.

 “If we refine today what we refined yesterday, imagine what tomorrow will look like,” said Purton.

Apprenticeship scheme​

Purton will also take on responsibility for Lancaster London’s apprenticeship scheme, which gives young people the opportunity to train in all areas of the kitchen and has seen a 100% success rate this year, with five out of five apprentices being retained for their second year of employment. 

The chef is known for his passion for promoting the hospitality industry as a viable career option. He took a group of chefs under his wing during the 2013 Masterchef series and was Springboard Ambassador for the hospitality industry in 2001, winning the organisation’s Ambassador Award in 2013.

He has also trained ex-offenders and organised work placement for students in his kitchens.