The iconic mid-century Lancaster London, one of the largest banqueting hotels in Europe, has appointed Ben Purton as its new Executive Chef overseeing the hotel’s two restaurants Island Grill and Nipa Thai, banqueting for up to 3,000 guests, room service, plus the menus and Afternoon Tea in the Lounge Bar.
He is also responsible for an 85-strong kitchen brigade (including chefs, support staff, and stewarding), plus Lancaster London’s Apprentice Scheme which gives young people the opportunity to become fully trained in all areas of the kitchen operation. The hands-on course has seen a 100% success rate this year, with five out of five apprentices being retained for their second year of employment. Six new apprentices started in September 2014, to embark upon rotational roles in every area of the kitchen.
Ben is renowned for his passion and dedication for giving back to the community. Whether this is training ex-offenders and giving them a much needed second chance to succeed in the workplace, organising work placements for students, judging Springboard’s Future Chef Competition, or auctioning himself as a prize for charity, Ben always goes above and beyond. In 2001, he became a Springboard Ambassador for the Hospitality Industry to encourage young people to join the industry and won their Ambassador Award in 2003.
As well as refining and re-launching Lancaster London’s Afternoon Tea, Ben is looking forward to continuing to improve the menus across the board to give a five-star dining experience in all areas of the hotel. The hotel currently holds the Three Star Sustainable Rating in Island Grill and Nipa. Ben will continue to add more sustainable and locally sourced produce to the menu – the current highlight being dishes made with Lancaster London’s own rooftop honey and the smoked salmon which is smoked onsite.
Ben appeared on BBC’s Masterchef in 2013 whilst in his most recent position as Executive Chef at The Royal Horseguards Hotel. Ben has also worked at Selfridges Department Store, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, and as Executive Chef at Goldman Sachs.
At Lancaster London, Ben will be one of the leading figures in ‘Creating the Future’ of the hotel to become the ‘best it can be’ as it moves towards becoming a five-star property.
Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY
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