Le Manoir's Wright in move to Conran

JONATHAN Wright, head chef of Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, has quit after accepting a position with Conran Holdings to start next year as executive chef at London's Great Eastern hotel.

It is understood that Wright, who starts his new job in January, had made it known in November that he wanted to leave, but left suddenly two weeks ago.

"We had a discussion and he decided he wanted to leave there and then," said general manager Simon Rhatigan.

Wright, who returned to Le Manoir more than two years ago after a stint at Singapore's Raffles hotel, said that it was never his intention to stay there long-term.

He said he will now have a break, but he will also be involved in consultancy work for Conran between now and January.

Arcadian International (now owned by Patriot American Hospitality), Conran Holdings and the British Land Company took on the lease of the Great Eastern hotel at London's Liverpool Street Station two years ago. The £30m redevelopment of the 260-bedroom hotel will include seven Conran restaurants and bars.

Simon Wright, currently general manager of Conran's Mezzo restaurant, has been named as executive assistant manager food and drink for the hotel, also starting in January. His responsibilities will cover the restaurants, room service and banqueting.

"The restaurants will be based around existing Conran restaurants and some exciting new styles," he said.

by Christina Golding