Strand Palace Hotel appoints chef Roberto Mercandino

The Strand Palace Hotel has appointed Italian chef Roberto Mercandino as their new executive chef.

Mercandino was trained in Italy and has been based in London for 16 years.

Mercandino will be responsible for a suite of new menus throughout the hotel – from small sharing plates in the Gin Palace to large banquets for private celebrations.

He has previously worked in in Thailand, Firmdale Hotels, the Soho House Company, and Morgan’s group amongst others. His last job was as an executive chef at the five-star Me Hotel by Melia.

Mercandino has experience with both Italian and British cuisine.

He said: “Obviously my roots are firmly based in Italian traditions – but my wider Mediterranean and Asian experience brings a cornucopia of flavours, textures and aromas. ”

David MacRae, general manager, said: “Recruiting Roberto Mercandino as our new Executive Chef gives us a great opportunity to refresh our food offerings across the Strand Palace Hotel. It is unusual and refreshing to meet a chef with such a wide-ranging passion for different styles of food.”