Dukes Hotel London Appoints New Michelin-starred Chef

A bright talent who has earned two Michelin stars during his career, Mendham will oversee all operations of the new restaurant including menu creation and catering for special events.

Thirty-Six by Nigel Mendham is named for the number symbolizing good luck in Chinese astrology, as well as the symbol of the magic square of the sun, which includes 36 numbers. Thirty-six is also the street address of DUKES LONDON on Little St. James. Mendham describes his cuisine as "modern British with a classical twist," focusing on a concentration of flavors and showcasing the best local produce available.

"I couldn't think of a more vibrant talent to shake up the hotel dining scene than Nigel," said Debrah Dhugga, General Manager of DUKES LONDON. "We've worked together in the past, and his passion for the finest regional produce and creating high-quality dishes always impressed. Thirty-Six by Nigel Mendham is sure to put DUKES LONDON on the map of must-do dining destinations in London."

"I've been looking for new challenges and always thought the next place would be London," said Mendham. "One call from Debrah to re-launch the main dining room at DUKES LONDON was all it took. I could not think of a better opportunity or a more appealing boutique hotel environment in which to make my big city debut."

The eponymous new restaurant, which will replace the existing Dining Room, is the latest addition to the expanding food and beverage options at DUKES LONDON. In April, the hotel opened PJ Lounge by DUKES LONDON featuring Champagne and Champagne cocktails from partner Perrier Jouet, and in 2010 the Cognac & Cigar Garden debuted, serving excellent cigars and vintage cognacs in a heated courtyard. DUKES LONDON also offers morning coffee, light lunch and Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Room and the world's finest martinis at DUKES Bar.

An enthusiastic and resourceful chef with a wide range of experience, Mendham joins DUKES LONDON after a six-year run as Head Chef at The Samling Hotel in Windermere, Cumbria, where he earned three Red Stars, three AA Rosettes and a Michelin star. Previously, Mendham was Senior Sous Chef at The Lygon Arms Hotel in Broadway, whose accolades included a Michelin star during his tenure. Other postings included Senior Sous Chef at South Lodge Country House Hotel in Horsham, Sussex, and at the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel in Leicestershire. Mendham launched his career as Commis Chef at The Hare Arms Inn in Norfolk in 1993.

Born and raised in Kings Lynn, Mendham studied at Norfolk College of Art & Technology in King's Lynn.

DUKES LONDON is an independent luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of London, in a private courtyard near Green Park and Buckingham Palace. The intimate and exclusive hotel has been welcoming guests for more than 100 years and features 90 rooms, including 11 suites and one Penthouse Suite. The hotel's design offers a mix of classic and contemporary features, including an impressive art collection. The historic Dukes Bar is home to some of the world's best martinis, and is the birthplace of the famous "shaken, not stirred" line from James Bond creator Ian Fleming, while the recently unveiled Cognac and Cigar Garden serves the finest cognac and Cuban cigars in a heated outdoor area, open year-round. DUKES LONDON serves classic British dishes at its Dining Room, and also features a Drawing Room and Conservatory, gym and health spa, as well as three well-appointed meeting rooms and elegant wedding facilities. DUKES LONDON is a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World. For more information or reservations, please visit www.dukeshotel.com.