Strand Place names Stirling Webb as new head chef

Strand Place, the London hotel, has named Stirling Webb as executive head chef.

Webb brings nearly three decades of experience, most recently as the executive chef at the InterContinental Park Lane. He spent nearly 10 years at the five-star property in the heart of Mayfair, beginning as executive sous chef. Webb has also held executive chef positions at The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Hilton London Tower Bridge.

The hotel revealed as an English trained chef, Webb specialises in traditional British food as well as French and Italian cuisine.

His culinary journey began at an early age, taking inspiration from his best friend’s father who was the head chef at Italian restaurant San Lorenzo in Knightsbridge for 30 years. He still credits this as a “huge influence” on his cooking, including a “good” repertoire of Italian culinary techniques.

According to the hotel, the menus under Webb at Haxells Restaurant and Bar at Strand Palace for the coming year will have royal influences, with a big focus on afternoon tea, paying homage to the Queen for the Platinum Jubilee year.

Webb said: “I am delighted to be joining Strand Palace as it enters a new and exciting era after its incredible transformation. I have always been an admirer of the hotel and its rich history and am looking forward to elevating the culinary offering as we enter this fresh chapter.

“My vision is to bring alive the old romance of the 1920’s era with a modern twist in my menus, an age which has inspired the hotel’s look and feel.”

Benjamin Chapman, cluster commercial director at Strand Palace, added: “We are delighted to have Stirling onboard as our new executive chef. His wealth of knowledge and skills are sure to bring the hotel’s F&B offering to the next level.

“Under Stirling’s helm and guidance, we hope to establish Haxells Restaurant and Bar at Strand Palace as a leading dining destination in London.”