Nia will work alongside chef patron Yuma Hashemi to oversee the restaurant’s operations, with a focus on service and team development.
The Drunken Butler was launched by Hashemi in December 2017 and serves French cuisine with Persian influences Wednesday to Saturday.
On Sundays, the 24-cover restaurant serves Persian feasts, tapping into Hashemi’s cultural roots and childhood experiences.
Nia, who is also of Persian origin, was at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay for three years and has a CV that includes numerous senior roles at Michelin-starred restaurants in New York, London, Singapore and Munich.
His previous roles also include restaurant manager at Restaurant André in Singapore, restaurant manager and wine director at Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa in Surrey as well as head sommelier at Acquarello in Munich.
“I am delighted to join Yuma and the team at The Drunken Butler. I‘ve known for some time about how special this restaurant is, and it’s great to be part of the next chapter in its story,” says Nia.
“I’m very excited to have Ali on board. His experience and front-of-house knowledge is exceptional, and will be invaluable as we look to build on what we’ve already achieved at the restaurant since it opened,” says Hashemi.
