London's Pharmacy puts faith in Jones

Hywel Jones will become the head chef at Pharmacy, the Hartford Group-owned London restaurant, in November. He is moving from Lola's in Islington, where he has been head chef since May.

Jones's appointment is seen as key to reviving the fortunes of the beleaguered Damien Hirst-designed restaurant. James Kowszun, Hartford's chief executive, said: "We are taking Pharmacy back upmarket. It has been a bˆte noire for the group for two or three years now. We want to remind people that it's a beautiful space and one of the best fine-dining restaurants in London."

Hartford has recently switched its focus from fine dining to bars after buying the 17-strong Jamies Bar chain last month. Turnover at the group's restaurants - Pharmacy, Dakota, and Canyon - was down by 15% in the year to 14 July, although this was offset by a 44% increase in bar sales.

Morfudd Richards, Lola's owner, declined to comment on Jones's departure. It is understood that Robert Reid, ex-head chef of Marco Pierre White's Oak Room, which closed this year, will replace Jones.

Reid said he was about to take a fortnight's holiday in Morocco. He added: "I just want to do things slowly. I don't want to rush into anything."

by Ben Walker

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 17-23 October 2002