'This is the opportunity I’ve been looking for'

Michelin-starred Sally Abé has been appointed as Consultant Chef at Conrad London St. James, she will continue to oversee The Harwood Arms until a replacement head chef is found. 

Conrad London St. James will open four new food and drinks concepts in Westminster. The hotel is investing £1.75 million in creating exceptional and pioneering eating and drinking concepts.

Sally said: “This is the opportunity I’ve been looking for. The partnership with Conrad London St James gives me a chance to fulfil my ambitions to create dishes and menus that show every aspect of my passion for seasonal British food.”

Designed to provide a true British experience, and with the area’s community and global travelers in mind, the hotel will launch a new signature restaurant; a contemporary take on the traditional London pub; an afternoon tea lounge, and the addition of the hotel’s first cocktail bar.

Beverly Payne, General Manager of Conrad London St. James, said: “We have an iconic location and we are expanding our concepts to equally offer delicious food. We are so excited to welcome Sally who has already had a considerable impact on the London dining scene and focuses on creating exquisite dishes using the best of British produce.

“Working alongside Sally over the past few months has shown us what a remarkable talent she is, and in spite of all of the trading challenges we’re dealing with, we are absolutely confident that we have everything lined up to make a real mark on the London dining scene. Our new concepts will provide the ideal settings for Sally to demonstrate her versatility and to continue to champion and empower women in hospitality.”

The first new refurbished concept, the Blue Boar Pub, is set to open this December and will be reflecting a modern take on a classic London Pub. Refined and upheld through all aspects of the dining experience, the menu will feature great wines, craft beers and premium and local gins. The other concepts are scheduled to open in spring 2021.

Sally Abé is currently Head Chef at the Michelin-starred Harwood Arms in London’s Fulham, she was named ‘Chef to Watch’ in the National Restaurant Awards 2019, and Chef of the Year in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs 2020.