• Latest News
  • Restaurant News
  • Hotel News
  • Catering News
  • Chef News
  • Pub & Bar News
  • Supplier News

Hospitality & Catering News

hospitality and catering news

Hotel Café Royal Announces Two Senior Leadership Appointments

July 8, 2026

Hotel Café Royal has announced the appointments of Alex Cooper as Hotel Manager and Jude Rozario as Executive Chef.

Alex Cooper, Hotel Manager, Hotel Café Royal
Alex Cooper, Hotel Manager, Hotel Café Royal

The appointments further strengthen the leadership team at the landmark Regent Street hotel, located at the crossroads of Mayfair and Soho.

Alex Cooper joins Hotel Café Royal as Hotel Manager, bringing extensive leadership experience from some of London’s most respected luxury hotels.

Most recently, Cooper served on the Executive Team as Director of Food and Beverage at The Berkeley and The Emory.

In that role, he played a key part in shaping guest journeys, leading major opening projects, driving sustainability initiatives and overseeing large operational teams.

Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at The Trafalgar St. James and within the Firmdale Hotels portfolio, including Haymarket Hotel and Ham Yard Hotel.

Cooper has also been recognised for his contribution to the industry, receiving accolades including Hotel Cateys F&B Manager of the Year in 2019 and UK Rising Star Restaurant Manager in 2016.

In his new role, Cooper will oversee Hotel Café Royal’s operational divisions, providing strategic leadership across rooms, engineering, food and beverage, security, wellness and events.

He has also joined the hotel’s Executive Committee.

Jude Rozario, Executive Chef, Hotel Café Royal
Jude Rozario, Executive Chef, Hotel Café Royal

Alongside Cooper’s appointment, Hotel Café Royal has welcomed Jude Rozario as Executive Chef.

Rozario brings experience from some of London’s most acclaimed culinary institutions, including The Connaught, The Berkeley, Claridge’s, Sea Containers and Broadwick Soho.

He has built a reputation for leading complex culinary operations across hotels, restaurants and banqueting.

His time in internationally renowned kitchens, including NOMA Copenhagen and Eleven Madison Park, has further shaped his approach to culinary excellence and innovation.

As Executive Chef, Rozario will lead the hotel’s culinary direction and day-to-day kitchen operations across its food and beverage portfolio.

He will work closely with British chef Kevin Gratton, who continues to play a key role in shaping the Café Royal Grill’s culinary philosophy, rooted in seasonality and heritage.

Eugene Leonard, Managing Director of Hotel Café Royal, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex and Jude, who both bring a wealth of experience, expertise and passion to Hotel Café Royal.

“Alex’s proven operational leadership and deep understanding of luxury hospitality make him ideally placed to help guide the next chapter of the hotel.

“Jude’s impressive culinary pedigree and commitment to excellence will further elevate our dining offering.”

Hotel Café Royal remains one of London’s most recognisable luxury hotel destinations, with 159 guestrooms and suites, dining venues and the award-winning Akasha Spa.

The appointments reflect the hotel’s continued investment in senior talent and its commitment to delivering memorable guest experiences across accommodation, wellness, events and food and beverage.

Associated Articles

The Cumberland Hotel Announces Senior Leadership Appointments

Highlights another recent London hotel leadership update across rooms, food and beverage, restaurant operations and commercial strategy, with appointments designed to strengthen the guest experience.

The Cocochine Promotes Kushal Rai to Head Chef

Adds London culinary leadership context, showing how premium restaurants are investing in chef progression, ingredient-led menus, supplier relationships and collaborative kitchen culture.

The Sun Rose West Hollywood Appoints Kris Umstattd as General Manager

Provides further luxury hotel leadership context, with an experienced operator appointed to oversee rooms, spa, rooftop dining, live entertainment and the next stage of brand development.

Email Newsletter

Subscribe to our email newsletter and keep a close eye on the UK hospitality and catering business

Search h&C NEWS

Join our email newsletter community

Join our email newsletter community

Supplier News

GAIL's Community Lunch

GAIL’s Craft Community Develops More Than 50 Products While Tackling Food Waste

Techality joins Accessible Hospitality Alliance

Richard’s journey into hospitality recognised by the Kitchen Porters Club

How hotels are decoupling great food from hard-to-fill chefs

TRA Launches Review into Ceramic Tableware and Kitchenware Imports from China

Apple Crumble

Sweet Solutions for Caterers: Country Range Launches Trio of Fruit Fillings

When Your Catering Business Outgrows Your Home Kitchen

Kensington Enclave Revealed: £335m Private Members’ Club To Auction Entire Contents

CR SOFT SCOOP ICE CREAM WHITE VANILLA

Country Range Unveils New Ice Cream Treats

Hospitality firms urged to maximise apprenticeship funding before deadline

Hospitality Firms Urged to Maximise Apprenticeship Funding Before Deadline

CRG Head Office Team on event day

Country Range Group Unveils Strategy to Reach £1.5 Billion Turnover by 2030

HancNews

HancNews

News Categories

  • Latest News
  • Restaurant News
  • Hotel News
  • Catering News
  • Chef News
  • Pub & Bar News
  • Supplier News
Home | Privacy | Sitemap

Copyright © · Hospitality & Catering News