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The Savoy has announced two new appointments in its F&B department, with Chris Murphy joining as director of Food and Beverage, and Angelo Sparvoli returning to the American Bar as head bartender.
Overseeing operations across the Thames Foyer, American Bar and Beaufort Bar, Murphy will also work closely with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, which operates the River Restaurant, Savoy Grill and Michelin-starred Restaurant 1890. This year will also see the anticipated reopening of Simpson’s in the Strand under Jeremy King.
Beginning his career working as a footman in the Royal Household, Murphy’s experience spans some of the world’s leading hospitality brands, including the Dorchester Collection and Shangri-La. He joins The Savoy from Ashford Castle, the five-star hotel and resort in Mayo, Ireland, where he spent four years as director of Food and Beverage.
Speaking on his new role, Murphy said: “I am hugely excited to be joining the team at The Savoy and look forward to working with the very best in hospitality. As such a storied hotel, it is an honour to be a small part of The Savoy’s history and act as a custodian to its legendary bars and restaurants, ensuring their legacy continues for many years to come.”
Alongside Murphy, Angelo Sparvoli has been appointed head bartender at the American Bar, returning to the celebrated cocktail venue where he worked for four years early in his career. Sparvoli will work with Bar manager, Andrea Di Chiara, to curate a menu and experience that stays true to the bar’s heritage while embracing new techniques.
Sparvoli entered the bar industry by chance, studying as a Surveyor but finding joy working at a bar with his cousin in their hometown of Camerino, Italy. The American Bar was where his hospitality career truly started, spending four years working his way from barback to senior bartender from 2016 to 2020. Since then, Sparvoli has been at the helm of leading bars across London, including Kwãnt Mayfair and St James Bar at Sofitel London St James.
Sparvoli said: “I left a piece of my heart at the American Bar, and it is a pleasure to be returning four years later in this new role. I look forward to achieving great things with the incredibly passionate team, reuniting with familiar faces and ensuring the bar remains at the forefront of this ever-changing industry.”
Speaking about the two appointments, Franck Arnold, Regional VP & MD at The Savoy, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming both Chris and Angelo to The Savoy family. These two appointments mark the start of a new culinary chapter with significant enhancements to our food & beverage offering planned throughout the year. We are paving the way to ensure we really are the place in London to enjoy the best and most varied drinking and dining experiences.”
