Small Talk

Small Talk

BigHospitality catches up with chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers and publicans for a chat about their latest projects, their career so far, and their passion for hospitality

Kurt Zdesar on new Fucina and London’s hottest trends

SMALL TALK

Kurt Zdesar on London’s hottest restaurant trends and new concept Fucina

By Hannah Thompson

Restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, who previously helped to found dim sum group Ping Pong, has made his name with trend-setting London sites such as Chotto Matte, Black Roe, and the now-closed Bouillabaisse. With new Italian concept Fucina set to open this autumn,...

L-R: Merlin Labron-Johnson and Stuart Andrew

SMALL TALK

Portland's chefs on opening their second restaurant Clipstone

By Stefan Chomka

Merlin Labron-Johnson and Stuart Andrew, the chefs at Michelin-starred Portland in Fitzrovia, on launching their second, more casual restaurant in Marylebone, and taking inspiration from New York and Ghent.

Rock on: Josh Littman, EMEA director of Hard Rock Hotels

SMALL TALK

Josh Littman of Hard Rock Hotels on UK expansion and updating the brand

By Hannah Thompson

As Hard Rock Hotels announces its entry into the UK with a renovation of the 900-bedroom former Cumberland Hotel in central London by 2018, we speak to Josh Littman, EMEA director of development for Hotels & Casinos at Hard Rock International, about...

Shaun Rankin on his new London restaurant at Flemings Mayfair

SMALL TALK

Shaun Rankin on his new London restaurant at Flemings Mayfair

By Joe Lutrario

Yorkshire-born Rankin is Jersey’s best-known chef and has attracted a Michelin star for his cooking at Ormer in St Helier. Next month, he launches a signature restaurant - Ormer Mayfair - at the newly refurbished Flemings Mayfair in London. 

Mark Rosati on how fine dining inspires the menus at Shake Shack

Small Talk

Mark Rosati on how fine dining inspires the menus at Shake Shack

By Sophie Witts

Mark Rosati began his career at New York's Gramercy Tavern before moving on to Danny Meyer's then-fledgling burger chain Shake Shack. As culinary director he is tasked with eating his way around the globe to create a series of locally-inspired...

Steven Ellis on his new pub Oxford Blue

Steven Ellis on his new pub Oxford Blue

By Hannah Thompson

Fresh from seven years with Clare Smyth at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, and two years with Andrew Pern at the Star Inn, Steven Ellis is raring to go with Oxford Blue, opening in Windsor in late summer within two 19th century cottages that used to belong...

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