The Cumberland Hotel in Marble Arch has announced a series of senior appointments across its food and beverage, operations and commercial teams.
The appointments further strengthen the hotel’s leadership structure as it continues to evolve its guest experience and hospitality proposition.
The new appointments include Cristian Miu as Bar Manager, Thomas Chakalamattathu as Restaurant Manager of Lírica, Ancuta Ababei as Director of Rooms, and Balin Sondh as Sales Manager for the recently opened Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen and Lírica.
Cristian Miu has been appointed Bar Manager, bringing extensive experience in luxury hospitality and premium bar operations.
Most recently, Cristian served as Assistant Bar Manager at The Chancery Rosewood, where he was part of the opening team for the hotel’s Eagle Bar.
Prior to this, he held roles at The Peninsula London and The May Fair Hotel.
As Bar Manager at The Cumberland, Cristian will oversee the hotel’s bar operations, with a focus on premium guest experiences, drinks programming and service excellence.
Thomas Chakalamattathu has been appointed Restaurant Manager of Lírica.
Thomas joins the role with extensive hospitality and restaurant leadership experience, specialising in premium dining operations and guest experience.
He joins through an internal transfer from The Royal Horseguards Hotel, where he spent more than two years as Restaurant Manager. Prior to this, he was Restaurant General Manager at Madhu’s.
As Restaurant Manager of Lírica, Thomas will oversee the restaurant’s day-to-day operations alongside the hotel’s room service offering, with a focus on operational efficiency and service standards.
Ancuta Ababei has been appointed Director of Rooms, joining the leadership team with nearly a decade of hospitality experience across hotel operations, guest experience and people leadership.
Most recently, Ancuta served as Deputy General Manager at Maldron Hotel Shoreditch, where she oversaw daily operations and commercial performance initiatives.
Prior to this, she held the role of Operations Manager at Clayton Hotel City of London.
As Director of Rooms at The Cumberland, Ancuta will oversee front office, housekeeping, security and guest services operations, supporting the hotel’s continued focus on operational excellence and guest experience.
Balin Sondh has been appointed Sales Manager for Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen and Lírica.
Balin brings extensive experience in hospitality sales, events and commercial strategy, with a strong background in driving revenue growth across premium restaurants and experiential venues.
Most recently, he worked as Multi-Site Sales and Events Manager at Criterion Hospitality, overseeing the commercial performance of two rooftop venues.
His career also includes senior sales and events roles at Boom Battle Bar, BAM Karaoke Box, Individual Restaurants, Gusto Italian and The Alchemist.
As Sales Manager for Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen and Lírica, Balin will lead the commercial strategy for both venues, focusing on corporate and social dining business, strategic partnerships and events.
Commenting on the appointments, Pedro Da Silva, General Manager at The Cumberland, said the new leadership additions bring “a wealth of experience, expertise and passion for hospitality” and will further strengthen the hotel’s leadership team as it continues to enhance the guest experience across its rooms, restaurants, bars and culinary offering.
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