Francesco Mannino named executive pastry chef of Pan Pacific London

Francesco Mannino has been appointed executive pastry chef of Pan Pacific London following the departure of Cherish Finden, which was announced in April.

Mannino has nearly 20 years' experience in the industry, including at London hotels the Connaught, the Mandarin Oriental, the Lanesborough and Claridge's. He was most recently at the Langham Shenzhen.

In his role, he will manage the pastry selection across Pan Pacific London, which encompasses six food and beverage outlets, including the Orchid Lounge, Shiok! and the hotel's signature restaurant, Straits Kitchen.

He will also be responsible for the pastry offering for in-room dining and banqueting, where he will showcase his Asian-inspired patisserie techniques.

Mannino said: "Born in Rome, cooking always played a big role in my family and this has really influenced my work ethos from opening up a bakery in Seoul with my wife to working my pastry kitchens in hotels. Similar to a family – collaboration and care is key.

"I love photography and one of the reasons I became a pastry chef was that I was able to combine my cooking techniques with artistic flair. I look forward to bringing my Western and Asian experience to Pan Pacific London and putting my stamp on the already stellar patisserie offering."

Anne Golden, vice president operations, UK & North America and general manager at Pan Pacific London, added: "We feel very lucky to have Francesco on board. His long-standing experience working in luxury hotels is second to none, and his eye for detail and design makes for some truly incredible pastries! We are proud to welcome him to the Pan Pacific London family and are excited to see his passion, precision, and creative flair come to life for our guests to enjoy."