Marcus Wareing is to open a second London restaurant at Marriott’s St Pancras Renaissance Hotel when it relaunches in May 2011.
The Gilbert Scott, named after architect that designed and built the original Victorian gothic building (previously called The Midland Grand), will serve a fine-dining menu featuring modern British classics.
The 120-cover restaurant and 52-seater bar will be overseen by Wareing’s protégé Chantelle Nicholson, who currently works with the chef as operations manager and senior sous chef at his eponymous restaurant at The Berkeley.
She will take the role of general manager at The Gilbert Scott, while Wareing will continue to run the kitchen at The Berkeley.
Chantelle Nicholson
“This project is a huge move for me and I could not have even considered it without a strong and loyal team behind me,” said Wareing.
“I am thrilled to offer the management platform to Chantelle, I know that together we will continue to lead in excellence and offer a memorable experience to everyone who visits us.”
Nicholson and Wareing are currently recruiting for both front and back of house, reportedly sourcing staff from some of the world’s best restaurants.
Second restaurant
Wareing, who told BigHospitality that he has been looking for a second restaurant for some time, said he felt an affiliation with the St Pancras Rennaissance from the first instance.
“The minute I set foot in the building I just knew it was for me; the building is breathtaking and has an amazing sense of time and place that I knew I had to be a part of. I always wanted my second restaurant to be in a landmark location.
“This is not another Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley, there can only be one. It is a very different venture and one that is immensely exciting; it will be the perfect complement to Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley.”
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Following an extensive refurbishment, the 245-bedroom St Pancras Renaissance Hotel will feature 38 suites, a 350-capacity ballroom, a private club, barbers shop, luxury spa and swimming pool.
It’s opening – penned for 5 May 2011, exactly 138 years after the opening of the original hotel – will mark the completion of the regeneration of St Pancras International Station.
Harry Handelsman, Owner of St Pancras Renaissance Hotel and chief executive of the Manhattan Loft Corporation, said: “I’m delighted that Marcus, Britain’s most accomplished restaurateur, has chosen to open his new restaurant in the hotel under the leadership of his protégée, Chantelle Nicholson.
“With this endorsement and the splendour of the restored St Pancras Renaissance Hotel to its former glory alongside Chantelle’s experience and commitment to quality, London will experience the most exciting event on the hospitality scene in 2011.”
The Gilbert Scott and St Pancras Renaissance Hotel’s reservation line will be open from 1 March 2011.