Sandeep Bhalla appointed general manager of the Connaught

Sandeep Bhalla has been promoted to general manager of the Connaught hotel in Mayfair.

Indian-born Bhalla previously held the position of hotel manager of the five-red-AA-star, Maybourne Hotel Group property, which he joined as hotel manager in 2018. Before arriving at the Connaught he worked at sister hotel the Berkeley in Knighstbridge, which he joined as director of food and beverage in 2007. He was promoted to hotel manager of the property in 2012.

Prior to joining Maybourne Hotel Group, Bhallap was part of the pre-opening team of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

In his new role Bhalla will oversee the 122-bedroom hotel, replacing Massimiliano Binda, who had held the position since 2015 and left the hotel three months ago.

He said: "I am truly honoured to take on this role at the Connaught, a much-loved hotel which holds such a special place in the hearts of so many guests and Londoners. I look forward to building on our illustrious reputation and inspiring our team to deliver even greater levels of guest service."

The Connaught co-owner Paddy McKillen added: "We are very proud to appoint Sandeep to this key role, and are delighted in recognition of his talent, to promote him within our Maybourne family. I know under his direction the hotel will continue to build and indeed grow on its reputation as the number one property in the capital."

Two-Michelin-starred restaurant Hélène Darroze at the Connaught is to reopen in September, following refurbishment.

Hélène Darroze at the Connaught to close for two month refurbishment>>