Orrery poaches Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal executive chef

Pierre Minotti, who held the role of executive chef at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal for over three years, has departed the two-Michelin-starred restaurant for an equivalent role at Orrery.

His appointment at the Evolv Collection restaurant coincides with the Mayfair restaurant’s temporary closure ahead of “a comprehensive refurbishment”.

The restaurant is scheduled to reopen in spring as Orrery by Pierre Minotti, which the chef says will serve “more rustic, modern food in a space that feels alive and contemporary, not formal and stuffy”.

Minotti was executive chef for Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal when it was awarded two Michelin stars just four months after opening in 2022.

He has also previously held roles in a variety of Michelin-starred kitchens, including the three-starred  Anne-Sophie Pic in Valence, France and Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, as well as two-Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze at the Connaught.

The Evolv Collection’s chief executive Martin Williams said: “Minotti’s “exceptional talent, innovative approach and mastery of French haute cuisine make him the perfect chef to lead Orrery’s transformation and our pursuit of Michelin recognition.”

Minotti added: “I’m incredibly excited to join The Evolv Collection and bring my vision to life at Orrery.

“This is an opportunity to create something truly special, a fine dining restaurant with Michelin-star ambitions, but with a distinctly different atmosphere than traditional haute cuisine establishments.”

Minotti’s appointment follows news of Alex Dilling’s year-long collaboration with prestige contract caterer Searcys at its Horizon 22 events space.