James Durrant, who appeared on Great British Menu and has worked for Gordon Ramsay, whose restaurant holds three stars in the Michelin Guide UK, has been appointed executive chef of The Game Bird at The Stafford London ahead of its relaunch next year.

With James Durrant taking over the reins of the kitchen, The Game Bird is said to celebrate the very best of British cooking with innovative, modern touches, in a relaxed atmosphere with exceptional service when it reopens next year.

Speaking of the opening, James said: “I am excited to be returning to the Capital with the opportunity to redevelop the culinary offering within one of London’s most iconic luxury hotels. The Game Bird will offer classic British dishes with contemporary touches that I believe will perfectly complement the history of the property.”

The Game Bird’s menus will include dishes such as Clarence Court Eggs, Orkney sea scallops, Salt Marsh mutton and Lincolnshire smoked eel.

There will also be a nod to James’ Cheshire upbringing with a changing selection of Pies, Puddings & Stews while a traditional Sunday roast will be served from a trolley with ‘gravy and all the trimmings’. British game will also feature and there will be a dedicated oyster menu.

>>> Read more about James Durrant here

The restaurant will undergo an extensive redesign that shows off the original seventeenth century features of the building, clean lines of marble and glass, and the natural hues of leather and traditional wood panelling will be complimented by a palette of brightly coloured velvets.

Stuart Procter, General Manager of The Stafford, commented: “The Stafford represents the height of informal luxury and exceptional service, qualities that will provide the perfect backdrop for The Game Bird. James and the upcoming launch of The Game Bird signal an exciting new chapter for the hotel, and we are all so excited to share the experience with our clients.”

The Game Bird at The Stafford will take its place alongside the hotel’s existing private dining rooms, 380-year-old working wine cellars, and the award-winning American Bar. Bar Manager Benoit Provost, and Master Sommelier Gino Nardella will work alongside James.

James Durrant comes to The Stafford with a wealth of experience from over 20 years at Michelin-starred restaurants including Gordon Ramsay’s Royal Hospital Road and Claridge’s. For five years, he was executive chef at Jason Atherton’s Maze and Maze Grill before relocating to Hampshire with his family in 2010 to open his own venture, The Plough Inn in Longparish, which was awarded a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand and where his main course was chosen for the banquet on BBC2’s Great British Menu 2014.

The restaurant will open in early 2017, with further details to be announced.