Adam Handling hires executive chef for new Hoxton site

Chef and restaurateur Adam Handling has appointed Daniel Watkins as executive chef for Adam Handling Group's new Hoxton venue in London.

Watkins (pictured right) will oversee food operations at all three of the building's venues, including the Frog Hoxton restaurant, the Iron Stag bar, and Bean & Wheat coffee and beer.

The move comes as Handling relocates his first restaurant the Frog E1 to a new, larger site at 45-47 Hoxton Square.

Watkins previously worked as head chef of the Anchor in Hullbridge, Essex, which holds a Michelin bib gourmand. Prior to that, he spent ten years working in corporate fine dining for clients such as Deutsche Bank.

He said: "It was during my time at the Anchor that I really developed my style as a chef. Not just in the way I cook, but in the way I think about food. I've always really enjoyed dining at the Frog restaurants, not only because I love the food but also because of the emphasis on sustainable eating throughout the restaurant group."

At the same time as his appointment, Jamie Park will take on the more focused role as the Frog Hoxton's dedicated head chef. The pair will work with Handling himself to develop the site's new menus which will carry an emphasis on relaxed and sustainable dining.

"Daniel's been a big supporter of the group since Frog E1 opened and I've always said I only work with people I know and trust so it's amazing to have him properly on board. He's a great asset to the team and I can't wait to show everyone what we've been working on," Handling said.

The Frog E1 currently holds three AA rosettes and a Michelin bib gourmand. Handling's second restaurant, Frog by Adam Handling, opened in London's Covent Garden in September 2017 with standalone bar Eve located beneath it.

Meanwhile, the group also operates Bean and Wheat, Handling's zero-waste café near Liverpool Street, on Artillery Lane which uses by-products from his the Frog E1 and Frog by Adam Handling.

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