Chef Stephen Wheeler joins Hilton Manchester Deansgate

Stephen Wheeler, former executive chef at the new Wembley Stadium in London, has joined the Hilton Manchester Deansgate hotel as executive chef.

In his new role, Wheeler, who will manage the hotel's 31-strong kitchen brigade, will be responsible for the property's 180-cover Podium restaurant and bar as well as its banqueting facilities and the 24-hour room service.

Wheeler said he plans to launch a new menu at the hotel featuring modern dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

"I believe in serving simple dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. I will introduce a new menu with an emphasis on quality so the ingredients can speak for themselves," he said.

Wheeler worked with contract caterer Delaware North at Wembley Stadium for a number of years but left at the end of 2006 prior to opening.

Previously he was executive chef at department store Harrods in London, where he oversaw its 22 restaurants and food halls.

In May, Caterer and Hotelkeeper revealed that Frank Coughlan had scored the executive chef job at Wembley, which he started this month having been executive chef with Facilities Management Catering, part of Compass Group.

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