Olympia appoints Abe Berry as director of hospitality

Event and exhibition space Olympia has appointed Abe Berry as director of hospitality.

Berry, previously vice president of hospitality at MGM Resorts, will oversee the food and beverage offering as the venue undergoes a £1.3b redevelopment.

Berry said: “Rarely does an opportunity like this come your way. A chance to do something very meaningful with great people.

“This project will touch a lot of people because we are focused on the greater good of the community and the evolution of a landmark. I am blessed and absolutely thrilled to be part of the transformation of Olympia.”

The redevelopment will include a new theatre, a 4,400 person live music venue, public art exhibitions and performance spaces alongside 135,000 sq ft of dedicated F&B space.

The F&B space will include 66,000 sq ft set within landscaped gardens under a glass-topped roof for bars, restaurants and markets. There will also be 14 restaurants serving 4,000 covers and a new destination restaurant within a Grade II*-listed building.

In his previous role Berry led the F&B transformation in the half a billion dollar renovation of the former Monte Carlo resort and casino into the Park MGM Las Vegas.

Lloyd Lee, managing partner at Olympia, added: “The reason that we’re really excited about bringing Abe on is that we envision that Olympia will provide a guest and visitor experience of a quality and variety that London has never seen before.”