Gallagher opts for Cavalier approach in two-star quest

David Cavalier, head chef of former London Michelin-starred restaurant High Holborn, moves to Dublin today (2 August) to run Conrad Gallagher's Peacock Alley.

Cavalier has taken over from Gallagher as head chef of the 90-seat Michelin-starred restaurant. He is responsible for 11 chefs.

Gallagher said: "I was looking for someone to take Peacock Alley from one star to two stars. I called David up and asked him if he fancied it."

In June Steven Black, former head chef at Eastwell Manor in Boughton Lees, Kent, joined Gallagher's London restaurant, Conrad Gallagher at Shaftesbury Avenue, as head chef.

The restaurant, which opened on 18 July, has a 187-seat dining room, a 100-seat lounge and a 20-seat chef's dining room.

Gallagher will divide his time between the two restaurants.

Cavalier, who was unavailable for comment, left London dining club Mosimann's to head the kitchen of the 90-seat High Holborn restaurant, which opened in August last year. It closed in May just four months after winning its first Michelin star. Days later it went into administration.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 2 -8 August 2001