NoMad London appoints new executive chef

Michael Yates has been appointed executive chef at the NoMad London hotel in Covent Garden to oversee its Side Hustle restaurant, the Library and newly opened cocktail bar, Common Decency.

He replaces Ashley Abodeely, who was executive chef for the opening of the property in 2021. Abodeely has relocated to Miami to pursue new opportunities and be closer to family.

Yates recently returned to the UK having run his own 24-cover restaurant, Sail and Anchor, in Antwerp, Belgium, with his partner since 2016 before deciding to close the venue. His first menu at the hotel will launch on 26 April and a Sunday roast will also be added to the hotel’s offering from late April.

Originally from Langho, Lancashire, he has also previously worked at Northcote as a commis chef for one year; as a sous chef at Restaurant Martin Wishart in Edinburgh for two years; and at the three-Michelin-starred kitchen Oud Sluis in the Netherlands as a senior sous chef for three years.

Yates said: “My cooking style is timeless – it’s minimal, eclectic, and locally focused, all of which resonate with the NoMad brand and team. The lifestyle here is a perfect fit for my culinary ethos and my style, we develop our dishes with integrity and a passion for simple yet vibrant components – whether it’s fresh morels, Shetland scallops or English asparagus.”

He added: “This is a homecoming story for me. I’ve not worked in London before, however I’m a British chef and I’m excited to bring my farm to table approach to the city. One of the strongholds of the NoMad is the young talent in the kitchen, all eager to hone their skills and looking to grow – not so different from me when I was young and hungry to learn. I’m looking forward to helping them while we bring NoMad London’s culinary offerings to a new level.”

Chris Perone, the hotel’s recently promoted general manager, added: “We have long since admired Michael’s work from afar and have had the great pleasure of dining in his restaurant and experiencing his unique culinary approach first-hand over the years. His homecoming is poignant not only in the sense that he is returning to his motherland, but that he is coming home to a brand with which his personal ethos and culinary style is so harmoniously compatible. Along with his exceptional talent, drive, and skill, we cannot wait for this synergy to sing across all of our NoMad London dining venues.”

The 91-bedroom hotel is managed by Sydell Group on behalf of its owner, Business Trading Company (BTC), an investment company specialising in the hospitality sector, with Soho Coffee Company, Apostrophe and Euphorium among its portfolio.

It was the second foray into the London hotel market for Andrew Zobler's Sydell Group, having partnered with Soho House & Co in launching the Ned in the City.