Pablo Peñalosa Najera joins new Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment as executive chef

He will look after the American-inspired lobby bar and restaurant Potus as well as oversee breakfast and room service at the 142-bedroom hotel, which is set to open next month.

It is hoped that the restaurant will appeal to occupants of the nearby US Embassy. The bar is inspired by American politicians, with its cocktails drawn from such books as Mint Juleps with Teddy Roosevelt and The Complete History of Presidential Drinking.

Originally from Mexico, Peñalosa Najera arrived in London in 2016 having previously worked for Four Seasons hotel in Bogota, Columbia, after left his native Mexico in 2015.

He said: “I look forward to leading the kitchen to produce exquisitely presented dishes that are bursting with flavour, whilst making sure I am mentoring the team to be the best they can be within the hospitality industry.”

Fabio Gallo, general manager of the new hotel, who previously occupied the same role at Melia Hotels’ ME London, added: “We are thrilled that chef Pablo Peñalosa Najera is joining the team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sector. Both his culinary flair, skill and passion is key to driving our aims and ambitions for Potus and Crowne Plaza London-Albert Embankment’s pioneering new concept.”

Owned by Dr Mudhar Shakat of Cannon Corporate, the hotel has been developed on a site which was previously occupied by an office block within a wider area of regeneration between Battersea Power Station and Embassy Gardens.

It will be operated by Cannon Corporate under a franchise agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group.

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts currently has more than 400 properties open worldwide and a further 84 in the pipeline.

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