Adam Simmonds appointed exec chef of Alpha Club

Adam Simmonds has been appointed executive chef of a new private members' club opening in Milton Keynes in May.

Until recently the chef was cooking at Test Kitchen, a pop-up restaurant in London's Soho where he was experimenting with dishes and invited guests to offer feedback, ahead of opening his own restaurant, Simmonds, later this year.

He will take on a primarily managerial role, with responsibility for the operation processes and menu design. He will not be the day-to-day chef in the restaurant but will direct operations a few days per month, and confirmed he still plans to open his own restaurant this year.

The Alpha Club, which will be in the CBXII building, will be overseen by Restaurant Association president Robert Walton, who will act as director of hospitality.

Walton trained as a chef and has spent his career establishing fine dining experiences, most recently the Nth Degree private dining clubs.

Simmonds won Chef of the Year (fewer than 250 covers) at the Hotel Cateys in 2011 and a Michelin star while he was executive chef at Danesfield House hotel.

Angus Dudgeon, director of Alpha Club, said: "To get not one but two senior figures from the industry is a major coup for us, we are delighted to be working with Adam and Bob.

"Our new venue will not only provide a luxury space for all professionals and entrepreneurs in the city, but with Adam's menu we will offer the best dining experience complemented by an exquisite wine list."

Simmonds said: "This is like coming home for me, I know the area well and believe Milton Keynes needs a venue of this calibre."

Walton said: "What the Alpha Club is aiming to be in Milton Keynes is exactly what I've been doing my entire career, bringing together fine dining experiences, whilst making new friends and business connections."

Adam Simmonds to launch year-long pop-up restaurant >>

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Bob Walton appointed chairman of the Restaurant Association >>

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