Sofian Msetfi named executive chef of Ormer Mayfair

Sofian Msetfi has been appointed executive chef of Ormer Mayfair, following the departure of head chef Kerth Gumbs earlier this month.

Msetfi joins the restaurant within Flemings Mayfair hotel from the Michelin-starred Oak Room at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, where he was head chef. Prior to joining Adare Manor he spent four years at Midsummer House, rising from chef de partie to senior sous chef.

To work alongside him the hotel has also appointed a new senior sous chef, Chris Hopkins, who has previously worked at Dinner by Heston and also at Midsummer House.

Gumbs was part of the opening team of Ormer Mayfair five years ago. Announcing his departure on Instagram in April, he said: "For me personally, this year has also been about laser focusing on the purpose, on my big why. Next step is all about positive changes. What starts with one person gets reflected and amplified on a group, community and our beloved industry."

Under the guidance of Msetfi and Hopkins the restaurant will drop its à la carte menu and offer only seasonal tasting menus, with five courses available for lunch (£50) and either seven (£70) or nine courses (£90) for dinner. When the restaurant opens on 19 May, dishes will include crab with brown crab biscuit, lime, avocado and spiced crab broth; roast rack of lamb, confit of lamb breast, cucumber and dill; and truffle honey ice-cream, frozen kefir and extra virgin olive oil.

Msetfi said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining one of London’s most established luxury properties and look forward to supporting the hotel’s ambition to house one of the finest restaurants in the capital. I have an incredibly talented team and we can’t wait to bring a new dining experience to Ormer Mayfair. We have simplified yet elevated the offering by creating three tasting menus which will showcase only the best, locally sourced British produce.”

Flemings Mayfair general manager Henrik Muehle added: “We’re delighted to have Sofian and Chris onboard for when we reopen our doors this spring. With experience working alongside some of the country’s leading chefs in some of the best kitchens, they are the perfect duo to drive the new F&B offering at the hotel, and along with our existing team at Ormer, will significantly elevate our already strong reputation for dining in the capital.”