Munur Kara joins Turnberry as executive chef from the Dorchester
Turnberry has appointed Munur Kara as its new executive chef, replacing Justin Galea, who has received an internal promotion to the Middle East with Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Kara joins the five-red-AA-star, 157-bedroom resort on the Ayrshire coast from the Dorchester hotel, London, where he was head chef of the Promenade restaurant. In his new role he will oversee the operation of six restaurants, including the signature 1906 and the fine dining James Miller Room, and head a team of 50 staff.
The move marks a return to Turnberry for Kara. He first worked at the resort in 2004 as a senior sous chef, before leaving for London five years later when he was appointed head chef at the Royal Horseguards hotel.
Jordi Tarrida, general manager of Turnberry Resort, said: "It's fantastic to see Munur, one of our home-grown talents, back in the kitchens at Turnberry as executive chef. He will be a great asset to our senior team at Turnberry and we are looking forward to seeing him develop his own vision for our six restaurants and bars."
Kara said it was a pleasure to be back at Turnberry after a long period in London. "I am passionate about continuing Turnberry's commitment to working with the abundance of natural produce we have on our doorstep in Ayrshire. It's a great opportunity to make the most of our fantastic local ingredients and further develop our sustainable credentials. I'm very much looking forward to developing the menu and to working hard with the terrific kitchen team."
Born and raised in London to Cypriot parents, Kara was inspired in his career by his chef father. During his early career he spent five years at Wheelers restaurant in Tower Bridge, before moving to Chamberlains Restaurant in London where he met Ralph Porciani, former executive chef of Turnberry and now director of operations at the resort. Porciani recruited him to join Turnberry in 2004. During his first tenure at Turberry, Kara worked through two Open Championships. Back in London, he spent three years in his first head chef role at the Royal Horseguards, before moving on to the Dorchester.
Turnberry appoints Jordi Tarrida as new general manager >>
