Carl Chapman has joined Dubai-based luxury property developer and holding company Seven Tides as the food and beverage (F&B) director for its upcoming Dukes Dubai hotel and residences on Palm Jumeirah.

A UK national, Chapman has worked for some of London’s most respected hospitality brands with a globally recognised dining pedigree including The Savoy, Claridge’s and Simpsons in the Strand, as well as at the renowned Fairmont Château Lake Louise in Canada.

He joins Dukes Dubai from the high profile InterContinental London – The O2, Greenwich, where he was an integral member of the opening team for this luxury flagship property under the Arora Hotel Group banner, and instrumental in the creation and successful delivery of a number of culinary concepts including a fine dining restaurant, brasserie and rooftop bar.

“Carl’s knowledge of the UK culinary scene and years of hands-on operational expertise will add immense value to the DUKES Dubai food and beverage offering, and we are confident that, along with his executive team colleagues, he will be instrumental in positioning our unique portfolio as a one-of-a-kind dining destination for Dubai,” said Abdulla bin Sulayem, CEO, Seven Tides.

During his two decade-long career, Chapman has also held senior event director roles and led the team at Fairmont-owned iconic hotel The Savoy, as well as landmark restaurant Simpsons in the Strand, following its multi-million dollar restoration and relaunch in 2010.

The first international property for the Dukes Collection brand, the 279-room hotel and 227-hotel apartments is scheduled to open for business in Q4 2016 and Chapman will oversee the launch of six exciting dining and lounge venues as well as catering for extensive meeting and events space.

Guests can choose from the Great British Restaurant, which will serve modern British brasserie-style cuisine under the culinary watch of the hotel’s executive chef, Martin Cahill; West 14th Steakhouse, already an award-winning institution on Palm Jumeirah; the first international outpost for top rated Mumbai Indian restaurant, Khyber; Dukes Bar, named after its London namesake and the venue for a menu of signature cocktails; the Tea Lounge; and a gentleman’s club styled Cigar Lounge.

“Dubai’s reputation as an emerging culinary hub presents us with a unique opportunity to put the Dukes stamp on the local scene and showcase Best of British across all aspects of the hotel operation, including dining. Carl is the man to bring this vision to life, and we have extremely high expectations for our exciting portfolio of restaurants and lounges.” Said Bin Sulayem.

Established in 2004, Seven Tides has developed its own portfolio of commercial, residential and resort properties in some of the world’s most desirable locations. Its award-winning flagship hotel, Dukes London, is situated in the fashionable Mayfair district and has been a hospitality icon in the capital for over a century. - TradeArabia News Service