Searcys appoints new chef director following Arnaud Stevens' departure

Searcys has appointed Darren Deadman as chef director following the departure of Arnaud Stevens.

 

It’s thought that Stevens is exploring opportunities both in the UK and Europe.

 

Deadman, formerly group executive chef at Concerto Group’s Create Food and Party Design, is to take on the role in July.

 

Prior to working at the Concerto Group, Deadman was executive head chef at Leith's at ExCel, a role he held for almost five years.

 

Matt Thomas, managing director at Searcys said: “We have a very clear view on what we would like to do moving forward and that view coincided with Arnaud wanting to review where he was at. He decided that he would like to go back in to more formal, classic restaurants.

 

“Arnaud is a great leader and while he was at Searcys he did a lot of great things for our brand which we are grateful for. We wish him the best of luck.”

 

At the beginning of April, Martin Thompson who has worked with Thomas for eight years was appointed development chef. He works exclusively with Thomas to develop projects to add value to the business and diversify the customer base.

 

Thomas added: “We are hoping they will review where we are historically been and why we have been there, and create a new set of values going forward â€" keeping food simple yet appropriate, focusing on seasonality and lovely sourcing stories, whilst at the same time allowing our senior chefs the creativity they enjoy and stay with us for.”

 

In order to grow the business profile, Searcys wants to open a Champagne school in the future, refresh the menus in many existing sites and staff will be trained about a minimum standard of food the brand expects in order to deliver customers a consistent product.

 

“It’s a shame that Arnaud decided to move on, however it has allowed us to review everything” Thomas continued, “my gut instinct is that they are great appointments and will have a clear sense of direction in line with what the business wants to achieve over the next few years.”

 

In March 2017, Searcys won a £5m, five-year contract to run the Café at the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London.

 

Founded in 1847 by the Duke of Northumberland’s pastry chef, Searcys now has over 30 properties in its portfolio including: Searcys St Pancras, King’s Cross St. Pancras; The Pump Room, Bath; Urban Coterie, Shoreditch; and Searcys at the Gherkin.

 

Arnaud Stevens and Searcys to open Sixtyone restaurant >>

 

Searcys wins £5m National Army Museum deal >>

 

Searcys appoints new MD as Chris Maddison departs >>

 

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