Aiden Byrne leaves the Dorchester
The news is a real shame. I can't say I'm surprised, he should be out there on his own rather than tied down by the rigours of a hotel - although there are probably better economic times to launch your own place.
He's a great chef and a lovely bloke and I wish him all the best in his new place.
The Dorchester must be less than delighted, especially as it leaves them without a decent restaurant.
Hi Silverbrow,
Long time reader, first time commenter...
Have you heard any news about who will replace him?
I heard he was leaving last week and was quite disappointed, having only discovered how good a chef he is a couple of weeks ago:
http://foodsnobblog.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/the-grill-at-the-dorchester-london/
I have tried all three Dorchester restaurants and his is far and away the best.
Posted by: Food Snob | 09 November 2008 at 02:24 AM
Welcome Food Snob, thanks for the comment and don't leave it so long next time.
I've no idea who's taking over. I imagine The Dorchester are trying to figure that out themselves.
Posted by: Anthony Silverbrow | 09 November 2008 at 06:03 PM
Righty-O then, AS, I may as well reply at once!
I am sure the Dorchester must have seen this coming. His recent comments have been laced with hints about getting the PR in place to open his own restaurant; I just thought he would wait until January...
IMO, since the hotel already has 'ethnic' cuisine covered and I doubt they will be introducing a direct competitor to loyal partner, AD, they will probably then be continuing with the traditional British theme. Therefore, though it has been written that 'they are shooting for the stars', I do not think that we can expect a truely spectacular new arrival (espcially in the current climate too).
I guess I thought I would just share that...
Posted by: Food Snob | 09 November 2008 at 11:34 PM
I imagine you're right that they won't be trying to get a star in immediately.
I got the impression they were somewhat suprised by how good and popular Aiden turned out to be. I'm sure that it must have been quite embarrassing for all the hoo-ha around Alain Ducasse to have been shown to be emperor's new clothes, whereas Aiden was doing the real thing across the corridor.
Posted by: Anthony Silverbrow | 10 November 2008 at 07:20 AM
True.
I expected a lot from AD...
Well, it will be interesting to see who does come. The Dorchester deserves to have a top restaurant.
Posted by: Food Snob | 10 November 2008 at 10:18 AM
thanks guys...
I think its brian hughson from Gary Rhodes
Posted by: anomm | 28 November 2008 at 10:28 AM
I`m glad he has come to Lymm - Had a meal at 3pm tofay, best chicken & mushroom pie I have tasted. Church Green pub Lymm 01925 752068
Posted by: Heather Warren | 02 December 2008 at 08:12 PM
Heather, thanks for that. I hadn't realised he'd started already.
Posted by: Anthony Silverbrow | 03 December 2008 at 10:30 AM