DUBAI, UAE—InterContinental Hotels Group has announced that celebrity chef Jason Atherton will debut his first restaurant in the Middle East in the upcoming InterContinental Dubai Marina.
Atherton cut his culinary teeth in Dubai when he served as executive chef of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant Verre in 2001. He then gained worldwide recognition in 2011 when his flagship London restaurant, Pollen Street Social, was awarded a Michelin star just one year after opening its doors. Having earned accolades including British GQ Chef of the Year, Jason Atherton is now returning to Dubai to expand his international culinary reach, which includes highly acclaimed restaurants in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai.
The opening of InterContinental Dubai Marina by this year will bring Atherton’s upcoming signature restaurant and bar to the cosmopolitan Dubai Marina area. The venture is a culmination of Atherton’s international experience and knowledge of the region and will offer an immaculate fine dining experience, as well as a trendy nightspot, for guests and residents alike.
“The Marina has transformed by leaps and bounds since I last lived here 10 years ago, and it’s exciting to be a part of the area’s vibrant culinary scene,” Atherton said. “I’m looking forward to working with InterContinental Hotels and Resorts and being a part of their repertoire of world-class signature restaurants.”
Part of the Bay Central development, InterContinental Dubai Marina is set to open by the end of 2014. Within walking distance of the popular Jumeirah Beach Residences’ (JBR) beach, the luxury hotel will also boast direct views over the water at the Marina. It will feature 132 hotel rooms, 196 InterContinental Residential Suites, and seven additional food and beverage outlets, including restaurants, bars, and a 600m2 night club.
“Food is a critical part of traveling and entertaining and we understand the need to deliver extraordinary dining experiences for our guests and diners,” stated Phil Broad, vice president of food and beverage, Asia, Middle East, and Africa at IHG. “That’s why we have established this partnership with Jason Atherton. We place a high emphasis on working with the best culinary talent in the industry and are confident that our collaboration with Jason will take Dubai by storm.”
