DoubleTree by Hilton London Docklands has appointed Rajpal Singh as Head Chef. Bringing experience from a host of top hotels and restaurants across the UK and India, Singh joins the newly-refurbished hotel in the heart of the London Docklands as head chef of Columbia restaurant and bar.
With a degree in hotel management, Singh has spent the past 20 years in luxury hospitality and catering. Gaining experience in the kitchens of some of the finest hotels in India (Taj Palace, Hyatt Regency New Delhi) before a return to the UK, Singh later held roles at City Inn, Westminster and the Marriot Hanbury Manor in Hertfordshire.
Settled in London for the past decade, Singh spent six years as Head Chef at the Tate Modern’s restaurant on the top floor and later Davy’s of London wine bar and restaurant on Plantation Place in the City. At Columbia, Singh will be charged with leading the strong chef team and overseeing service from breakfast to late dinner and in-room dining, banqueting and private event catering, serving a modern British menu punctuated with international influences.
Boasting a private river cruise service, London’s only dry dock and breath-taking views, DoubleTree By Hilton London Docklands Riverside also comprises destination riverside restaurant Columbia with an adjoining bar and expansive BBQ terrace. Set within the Grade I-listed Columbia Wharf Building dating back to the 17th Century, both the restaurant and bar are inspired by the area’s naval heritage, mixing modern comfort with maritime charm.
Joel Lawrence appointed Bar Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton London Docklands has also appointed Joel Lawrence as Bar Manager. With a proven track record and several accolades earned throughout his career, Lawrence joins the recently refurbished hotel in the heart of the London Docklands to oversee the bar operations at Columbia – the hotel’s destination restaurant, bar and terrace.
Lawrence has had an exceptional career to date, where he has worked within some of the world’s most iconic establishments. His passion for the drinks industry started in America’s luxurious boutique hotels including The Mercer Hotel – New York, The Chateau Marmont and Standard – Los Angeles and The Raleigh Hotel – Miami. In 2001 he won Bartender of the Year in Miami and from there his passion and career flourished.
Lawrence returned to the UK where he brought his creative flair to establishments including The Emirates Stadium, where he set up all of the Bars in Club level. He then moved on to The Intercontinental London – Park Lane, St. James Hotel and Club in London Mayfair and Ten Manchester Street Hotel, where he honed his expertise in the finest cigars. Most recently, Lawrence held the position as Bar Manager at Voltaire, Crown Plaza London.
Throughout Lawrence’s career he has achieved a wide variety of accolades including creating the worlds most expensive cocktail – ‘Ocean Sky’ worth £30,000, as well as creating the most colourful cocktail.
Lawrence’s most recent role was at Voltaire Champagne & Cigar Bar, where he made his mark by introducing a number of events, pop-up initiatives, partnerships and brand alliances with the likes of Glenfiddich, Voodoo Events and the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
Columbia, DoubleTree by Hilton London Docklands Riverside
265 Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 5HW
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