The Michelin starred chef, who has spent the past few years concentrating on his young family, cookery school and chef’s academy, will open the new 120-cover eatery at the Victorian Grade II listed DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool in April.
The hotel, which fuses together two Grade II listed buildings, has undergone a complex restoration and features a flight of marble steps, Corinthian columns among other 19th century characteristics.
“I’ve always kept my eye out for the right opportunity to come along,” Novelli said. “As soon as I saw the restoration, high quality and grandeur of DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool, I knew I could feel proud to put my name to what promises to be a really exciting restaurant in beautiful surroundings.
“The dream and the goal is to create the most talked about and respected brasserie in the North West and I’m already experimenting with ideas, themes and concepts and developing a bespoke menu from scratch for Jean-Christophe Novelli at Michelle.”
Novelli is currently selecting a team of experienced chefs and front of house staff who will undergo training both on site and at the award-winning chef’s academy in Hertfordshire.
“I am passionate about getting the right team to work with me and ensure the restaurant remains authentic and true to my high values of creating sensational food by combining many elements, resulting in a recipe that will make everyone feel welcome and excited,” he added.
Quality locally-sourced ingredients will be used in the restaurant, which will also supply food to the lounge, conference rooms and banqueting areas.
“Jean-Christophe is one of the best chefs of his generation and it seems only right that such a prestigious building should be partnered with such a fabulous chef,” Terence Southward, general manager, of the DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool said.
“This is not only wonderful news for the hotel but also a major coup for the city, and we are proud to welcome him to our team at DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool.”