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The Franklin London Hotel, part of the Starhotels Collezione, has announced the appointment of Roberto Roncolato to the role of head chef at The Franklin Restaurant by Alfredo Russo.
Originally from Italy, Roncolato previously held positions in various one and two Michelin star establishments including La Taverna di Colloredo di Montalbano and DeGusto.
During his term at DeGusto he helped them obtain their very first Michelin star, before moving on to become operations and development head chef for a company counting more than 20 restaurants including Hosteria Moderna, Bella Italia, and Happy Fish.
He also ran the first Hell’s Kitchen in Europe at Forte Village in Sardinia.
In the UK, Roncolato worked at The Langley in Berkshire, part of the Luxury Collection Hotels, Gordon Ramsey’s three-star Michelin establishment Restaurant Gordon Ramsey, and Texture restaurant.
He brings a decade of experience in fine dining to the Franklin London – Starhotels Collezione.
Roncolato will be working alongside executive chef Alfredo Russo.
His new spring menu for The Franklin Restaurant by Alfredo Russo, created by interior design guru Anouska Hempel, will include dishes inspired by the Mediterranean cuisine, including barbabietole, a beetroot salad which is completed with caramelised Melusine goat’s cheese, balsamic reduction and crema di piselli, a cream of peas which is paired with slow cooked red onion and topped mint foam.
The new menu has an option for a tasting menu selected by the chef himself, allowing guests to try the five-course tasting menu which also comes with a vegetarian option.
Roncolato said: “I am very proud and excited to take on the role of head chef at this iconic hotel steeped in heritage and authentic Italian charm. Alongside their incredible team, I look forward to positively contributing to the continued success of all the hotel’s food and beverage offerings, crafting new, exciting menus.”
Thomas Orchard, general manager for Starhotels Collezione London Complex, added: “The Franklin Restaurant by Alfredo Russo is a staple on the London food scene and this month, as we move into a very exciting culinary direction, we could not be more thrilled to have Roberto on board.”
