Titanic sunk as Melia closes MPW restaurant

Melia Dubai announced yesterday that its Titanic restaurant has closed following a mutual decision to end its partnership with Marco Pierre White.

The decision follows a recent report by Caterer on hoteliermiddleeast.com in which industry sources suggested that the celebrity chef was looking to withdraw from the restaurant.

However in an official press conference held by RMAL at Marco Pierre White’s Wheeler’s restaurant  in May, White denied reports of pulling out of Titanic to Caterer.

At that time, the future of the restaurant at Melia Dubai  – which first opened in 2012 comprising a restaurant, bar and lounge – remained unclear following the group's rebranding of the lounge area separately from the MPW restaurant.

The decision also follows on the heels of a recent announcement that a Marco Pierre White Grill will be launched in September 2013 at the Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road.

Commenting on the closure of Titanic Enrique Ortiz, vice president of operations EMEA - hotel division at Melia Hotels International said: “We were pleased to launch our first hotel in the GCC with a signature restaurant from such a recognised name in the industry and Marco Pierre White brought a great depth of knowledge with him.

“However, one year on we are in better position to understand the needs of our guests and it is time to take a different path. We wish Marco all the best.”

Marco Pierre White also spoke at the time of the Melia announcement adding: “Since I launched Titanic with Melia Dubai the hotel has evolved and it became necessary to adapt. It was a strategic decision on both sides and we part amicably.”

Melia Hotels & resorts has confirmed that plans for the new restaurant will be announced over summer.