St Regis London taps up Robert Aikens as executive head chef

Robert Aikens has been added to St Regis London’s leadership team as executive head chef of the Marriott International hotel’s as-yet-unnamed restaurant.

Aikens’ appointment marks his first time on the UK culinary scene since he emigrated the US in 2008, though he partnered with contract caterer Thomas Franks as chef consultant in 2023.

During his time in New York, Aikens held roles including executive culinary director of the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Centre and latterly Pastis, as well as executive head chef of Veronika.

Aikens (the twin brother of fellow chef Tom Aikens) has also held roles in Mexico City’s two-Michelin-starred Pujol alongside its sister restaurant Criollo in Oaxaca.

Aikens is the latest in a raft of senior leadership appointments at the St Regis London, including general manager Marco Novella, formerly of Venice’s Hotel Cipriani and Patrick Mudalige as hotel manager, formerly of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.

Novella said: “I am honoured to welcome Robert to join the finest team at the St Regis London as we bring this iconic brand to life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.”

The Mayfair hotel, which spans 195 rooms and will include an all-day restaurant and jazz bar, is slated to open in mid-2026.

The property takes over the former site of Westbury Mayfair and has been redeveloped by Richmond International.