Crowne Plaza London - Albert Embankment, launching this October, has appointed Pablo Peñalosa Najera, formerly at MNKY HSE, as Executive Chef at the hotel’s new American-inspired restaurant, Potus, following a major investment to place the venue as a key London destination.
In keeping with its US Embassy neighbour, the hotel will offer an American lobby bar and restaurant, with capacity for over 70 guests. Michelin-trained, Executive Chef Pablo PenÞalosa Naìjera will pay homage to favourites from across the pond, all served with a contemporary flair, to create a diverse, distinctive and flavoursome menu.
Starting his career from the tender age of 16 as a Waiter, PenÞalosa Naìjera soon realised hospitality was his passion. Now, family man PenÞalosa Naìjera is excited to deliver an American menu with a twist on the familiar at restaurant Potus by combining different cuisine from the country, whilst using flavours with innovative methods to create the finest quality dishes. He is excited to mentor his team around the kitchen, with his motto to produce ‘plenty of flavours – like a rollercoaster’ and working with ‘honest, quality suppliers in the capital’.
Peñalosa Najera said, ‘I am excited to be joining such a hard-working team, with a highly collaborative ethos. I look forward to leading the kitchen to produce exquisitely presented dishes that are bursting with flavour, whilst making sure I am mentoring the team to be the best they can be within the hospitality industry. It is an exciting time for the business.’
A striking bar will stand at the centre of the room, home to an extensive US President inspired cocktail menu, as well as select wines, spirits and beers. Enthralling guests with the storytelling behind each cocktail creation, this experience will encourage time to stand still. The inspiration behind the menu is drawn from books such as Mint Juleps with Teddy Roosevelt and The Complete History of Presidential Drinking.
Fabio Gallo, General Manager of the new hotel, said, “We are thrilled that Chef Pablo Peñalosa Najera is joining the team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sector. Both his culinary flair, skill and passion is key to driving our aims and ambitions for Potus and Crowne Plaza London-Albert Embankment’s pioneering new concept.”
Launching in October, Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment is the first luxury hotel to open in the Albert Embankment area. Along with investment in the hotel itself, the owner has also made a commitment to bringing on board the best and brightest of the hospitality industry.