Carl Chapman has been appointed food and beverage director of the upcoming Dukes Dubai Hotel and Residences, Palm Jumeirah.
A UK national, Chapman has worked for London’s hospitality brands such as The Savoy, Claridge’s and Simpsons in the Strand, and Fairmont Château Lake Louise in Canada.
Abdulla bin Sulayem, CEO, Seven Tides, the developer and operator of Dukes Dubai commented: “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.”
Chapman joins Dukes Dubai from the InterContinental London – The O2, Greenwich, where he was a member of the opening team for the luxury flagship property.
In his previous role, Chapman created and delivered a number of culinary concepts including a fine dining restaurant, brasserie and rooftop bar.
The first international property for the Dukes Collection brand, the 279-room hotel and 227-hotel apartment complex is scheduled to open for business in Q4 2016.
Chapman will oversee the launch of six dining and lounge venues and the food and beverage offer for the property’s meetings and events space.
With executive chef Martin Cahill at the helm of kitchen operations, the dining outlets comprise: Great British Restaurant, with modern British brasserie-style cuisine; West 14th Steakhouse on Palm Jumeirah; and Mumbai Indian restaurant, Khyber, the brand’s first international outlet.
The hotel’s beverage focused venues are Dukes Bar, named after its London namesake and featuring 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,” said Bin Sulayem. “Carl is the man to bring this vision to life, and we have extremely high expectations for our exciting portfolio of restaurants and lounges.”
Established in 2004, Seven Tides has developed a portfolio of commercial, residential and resort properties including award-winning flagship hotel, Dukes London in the Mayfair district of the UK capital.
Dukes Dubai has 279 guestrooms and 227 hotel apartments, leisure, conference and entertainment facilities including a private beach, indoor pool, outdoor infinity pool and gym, and five food and beverage outlets.