Smith & Wollensky names executive chef
American steak restaurant firm Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group (SWRG) has named Stephen Collins as executive chef of the company's new London site.
The announcement comes just days after the firm confirmed Nathan Evans as its new operations director ahead of the restaurant's planned launch in June.
The new venture will be housed in the Adelphi Building on John Adam Street off the Strand and marks the first Smith & Wollensky launch outside of the US.
Collins, who previously worked at D&D London's Quaglino's, will serve a menu of SWRG signature dishes including USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, alongside British and Irish cuts, seafood, wines and classic cocktails.
The 300-cover, 15,000 sq ft restaurant has been designed by restaurant designer Martin Brudnizki and comprises two bars, two main dining areas and three private dining rooms across two floors.
In keeping with its sister restaurants in the US, the site will also feature butchery quarters and a dry ageing room.
Commenting on the new restaurant, operations director Evans said: "The team has been working tirelessly to ensure we hit our June opening date.
"From the construction through to menu planning, we've been incredibly busy behind-the-scenes to ensure Smith & Wollensky is everything those familiar with the brand have come to love and those who've heard so much about it will expect. We're confident that when we open this summer we'll deliver London's best steakhouse with classic American hospitality in truly spectacular surroundings."
The restaurant will operate lunch and dinner services from Monday to Saturday, as well as a lunch service on Sunday.
