Abela chooses Van der Horst as Greenhouse's successor to Merrett

The recently reopened Greenhouse restaurant in Mayfair, London, has appointed a new head chef to replace Paul Merrett.

Thirty-one-year-old Bjorn van der Horst will take control of the one-Michelin-starred kitchen following a transitional period in which Antonin Bonnet will oversee the reopening of the restaurant.

Owner Marlon Abela reopened the 70-seat restaurant last week (13 April) following an extensive renovation.

Van der Horst was previously executive sous chef at the Russian Tea Room in New York and chef de cuisine at Picholine in Manhattan. Most recently he was head chef at Gaia restaurant in Greenwich, Connecticut - also one of parent company MARC's (Marlon Abela Restaurant Corporation) properties.

Merrett parted company amicably from MARC at the end of February this year.

A three-course menu at the Greenhouse will cost £55 without wine and a tasting menu will cost £85 for seven courses including cheese, or £75 without.

Abela's next project in London will be private member's club Morton's in Berkeley Square, due to open on 4 May.