Dukes London in St. James's has announced the appointment of Nigel Mendham as Executive Chef of the hotel's newest restaurant, Thirty-Six by Nigel Mendham, launching August 2011. With two Michelin stars already under his belt, Mendham will oversee all operations of the new restaurant, including menu creation and catering for special events.
So what's with the name? Thirty-Six by Nigel Mendham is named for the number symbolizing good luck in Chinese astrology, as well as the symbol of the magic square of the sun, which includes 36 numbers. Thirty-six is also the street address of DUKES LONDON on Little St. James. Mendham describes his cuisine as "modern British with a classical twist," focusing on a concentration of flavors and showcasing the best local produce available.
The eponymous new restaurant, which will replace the existing Dining Room, is the latest addition to the expanding food and beverage options at the hotel. In April, the hotel opened PJ Lounge featuring Champagne and Champagne cocktails from partner Perrier Jouet, and in 2010 the Cognac & Cigar Garden debuted, serving cigars and vintage cognacs in a heated courtyard. Dukes London also offers morning coffee, light lunch and Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Room and martinis (they say the world's finest, but we'll need to sample many more to judge!) at Dukes Bar.
Mendham joins Dukes London after a six-year run as Head Chef at The Samling Hotel in Windermere, Cumbria, where he earned three Red Stars, three AA Rosettes and a Michelin star. Previously, Mendham was Senior Sous Chef at The Lygon Arms Hotel in Broadway, whose accolades included a Michelin star during his tenure. Other postings included Senior Sous Chef at South Lodge Country House Hotel in Horsham, Sussex, and at the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel in Leicestershire. Mendham launched his career as Commis Chef at The Hare Arms Inn in Norfolk in 1993.
Born and raised in Kings Lynn, Mendham studied at Norfolk College of Art & Technology in King's Lynn.