Ford leaves Harvey Nichols to go it alone

Dominic Ford, the mastermind behind the destination restaurants and Foodmarket retail concept at Harvey Nichols stores, has left the company after 12 years to set up his own business.

Ford has been restaurants and food retail director at the Harvey Nichols group since 1992 and he is expected to remain within the food sector for his new venture. He is currently away on holiday and so was unavailable to discuss his plans.

He was originally invited to join Harvey Nichols by chairman Dickson Poon, who frequented the restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong, where Ford was assistant food and beverage manager.

Ford was responsible for the creation of the Fifth Floor Restaurant Caf‚ and Bar, the Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie and Prism in the City, all in London, along with the Fourth Floor Caf‚ and Bar in Leeds and the Forth Floor Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie in Edinburgh. His most recent project was the Second Floor Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie, which opened in Manchester last August.

Frustrated at having to visit different parts of London to get the best products, he also introduced the Foodmarket into Harvey Nichols, which offers the best produce from around the world. His replacement at Harvey Nicholshas not yet been named.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 22 - 28 April 2004