Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel has appointed a new Head Chef to help put the venue on the map as a go-to dining destination in Oxford.
The boutique hotel has appointed renowned chef Anthony Pitcher to elevate the dining experience at the hotel and introduce a fresh new concept to its signature restaurant, Frank’s.
Anthony has over 15 years of experience working in high-level kitchens and a wealth of fine dining expertise.
He was originally trained by celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Gennaro Contaldo and has since held a range of senior positions in restaurants across Oxfordshire and the south before owning and managing his own restaurant ‘POP?’.
Anthony will work alongside newly appointed Sous Chef Paul Wilson to deliver fresh, exciting and seasonal menus in Frank’s restaurant as well as oversee the catering for large events, weddings, parties and conferences hosted at the Iffley based hotel.
Through his passion for the highest quality, local ingredients, Anthony hopes to transform the hotel’s dining offering and make it a go-to culinary destination in Oxfordshire.
“I’m really excited to have joined Hawkwell House,” said Anthony. “It’s a fantastic venue, and I’m eager to put my stamp on our food and beverage offering and bring something slightly different to the city.
“The restaurant’s new focus will be British ingredient-led seasonal food. We hope to create a relaxed, fun atmosphere by serving dishes that are engaging and memorable.
“Whether we are designing a tasting menu for a celebration dinner or looking after an event, we want to deliver exciting memories.”
The hotel’s main restaurant, Frank’s, is open every day of the week for breakfast and dinner. It will serve a selection of roasts every Sunday throughout the winter months, which, it hopes, will attract local groups of families and friends.
Hawkwell House also has various versatile event spaces which guests can book for parties, weddings, private dining and corporate events. The new chef will work closely with guests to design bespoke menus for events and private dinners.
To help the hotel deliver contemporary and seasonal menus to guests all year round, it has partnered with Oxfordshire artisan food and drink suppliers to source the best fresh, local produce.
“Working with local suppliers and producers is integral to our ethos and we’ve forged great partnerships so we can deliver the best Oxfordshire has to offer to our guests,” said Anthony. “We have recently started working with two new super local suppliers that will enable us to serve up delicious, freshly prepared food whilst minimizing food miles.”
Nick Jefford, General Manager, added: “We are pleased to announce Anthony has joined the team.
“His combined years of experience and creative flair make him an exciting addition to the team. We are looking forward to transforming the menus and making the hotel a destination in Oxford for friends, families and colleagues to get together to enjoy a great meal.”
Hawkwell House recently underwent a stunning £3.5 million refurbishment to transform it into a stylish, boutique venue complete with a restaurant, lounge bar, all-weather terrace and three versatile meeting rooms.
Read more: Look inside Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotels £3.5m refurbishment
The hotel is located just a short walk from Iffley Lock on the River Thames and St Mary The Virgin Church Hawkwell House. It is just three miles from Oxford rail station and is close to Oxford’s southern bypass road.
