Michael Nizzero appointed executive chef at the Bath Priory

22 November 2016 by Janet Harmer

Andrew Brownsword Hotels has appointed Michael Nizzero as executive chef of the Bath Priory hotel, replacing Sam Moody, who left the property in September.

Nizzero will join the five-AA-star, 33-bedroom hotel from his current position as premier sous chef at the Ritz hotel in London on 9 January 2017. The Ritz has recently been awarded a Michelin star under executive chef John Williams.

Nizzero, who is originally from Belgium, first arrived in the UK in 2002 to work at One-O-One restaurant at the Park Tower hotel in London's Knightsbridge. He then moved to Dubai in 2004 as sous chef at Pisces restaurant, eventually moving up to chef de cuisine by 2007.

Nizzero returned to the UK that year to take up a senior sous chef role at the three-Michelin-starred Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire, where he worked alongside chef-patron Alain Roux.

He left the UK again between 2011 and 2015 to work at as executive chef de cuisine at the Relais & Chateaux property Hostellerie La Briqueterie in Vinay, France, where he won a Michelin star. Nizzero joined the Ritz in London last year.

Alan Swinson, food and beverage director at Andrew Brownsword Hotels, said the company is "delighted" about the forthcoming arrival of Nizzero.

"We worked hard to secure the right candidate to uphold and develop the restaurant's fine reputation and Michael's exceptional experience, enthusiasm and passion were a natural fit," he said.

Nizzero's menus at the Bath Priory will include tasting and à la carte menus at both lunch and dinner.

Adam Simmonds, former head chef at Danesfield House hotel and spa, is currently filling a three-month guest chef position at the Bath Priory while looking for a site to open a restaurant in London. He arrived following Moody's departure for Ireland, where he is now head chef at the 20-bedroom Ballyfin hotel in County Laois.

Andrew Brownsword Hotels is a collection of seven country house hotels, four properties operating under the city-centre Abode brand and Sydney House in Chelsea, London. It also owns the Imperial hotel in Torquay.

Last month the Abode hotel, located within the Grade II-listed, 18th-century Royal Clarence in Exeter, was destroyed in a fire. Andrew Brownsword has pledged to rebuild the property "with enormous sympathy to its importance and heritage".

Andrew Brownsword pledges to rebuild fire ravaged Royal Clarence hotel >>

Adam Simmonds to guest chef at Bath Priory hotel >>

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