Table 9 gets new patron chef Darren Velvick

Hilton Dubai Creek’s table 9 has a new chef patron in the form of British chef Darren Velvick, who previously worked at  Michelin-starred restaurant, Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, a renowned London hotel located in the heart of the capital’s premier district of Knightsbridge.

Velvick will replace the highly successful outgoing team, Nick Alvis and Scott Price, who will serve their last meal at the outlet on December 31 2013. The duo leave to build up brands from scratch with Albwardy Investments. The restaurant will close from January 1-9, 2014, as Velvick and his team prepare for the official opening of the new look ‘table 9 by darren velvick’.

Velvick started his career with Gordon Ramsay Holdings in 1999 before working his way up to become the head chef at exclusive fine-dining restaurant, Petrus. He also went on to assist in the opening of The Gilbert Scott restaurant alongside his long-time colleague and mentor, Marcus Wareing.

He said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining table 9 at a time when it is enjoying so much success. I would like to thank Nick and Scott for everything they have done – in some ways they have made my job quite easy but on the other hand I have a lot to live up to.

“I will hopefully bring a slightly different style to the restaurant, with a strong focus on an imaginative menu with high levels of quality, service and innovation in a relaxed, fine-dining setting. We also aim to provide menu flexibility so, whether the customer wants a two course meal or a six-course tasting menu, we will offer a range of options to satisfy diverse individual tastes."

Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa vice president F&B Simon Lazarus said: "table 9 is a recognised winner with Dubai diners and I am delighted we have been able to secure such a highly regarded and experienced chef to manage one of the city’s culinary treasures. With his proven creativity and flair, Darren can build on the success of table 9 and take the restaurant to even greater heights of innovation.

“Nick and Scott have achieved so much at table 9 and from everyone connected to Hilton Worldwide, I would like extend our deepest gratitude for everything they have done and wish them all the success for the future."

Alvis and Price said, in a joint statement: "We are incredibly proud of what the team has achieved in table 9 in such a short time. We will be extremely sad to say goodbye to our team and to everyone who helped make the restaurant such a resounding success. We wish Darren and his team all the best and are looking forward to seeing how he will carry on the legacy into the future.”