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Novotel Pune is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Gaurav Mawari as its new Executive Chef. 

With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef Gaurav is set to elevate the culinary offerings at Novotel Pune with his vast expertise in international cuisines, banqueting, and food innovation.

“We are excited to have Chef Gaurav on board. His diverse experience, creativity, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our vision of delivering an exceptional dining experience to our guests,” said Anant Leekha, General Manager, Novotel Pune.

Chef Gaurav’s career journey is a testament to his passion and dedication to the culinary arts. He has been instrumental in the successful openings of several five-star properties, including Ista Hyderabad, Taj Vivanta Hyderabad, Aloft Hotel New Delhi, and Radisson Individuals Bangalore. Prior to joining Novotel Pune, Chef Gaurav served as Executive Sous Chef at Sheraton Grand Chennai. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport and Radisson Individuals Bangalore as Head Chef and Executive Chef, respectively, where he was instrumental in overseeing large-scale kitchen operations, refining culinary strategies, and mentoring teams to uphold high hospitality standards.

Chef Gaurav’s philosophy revolves around blending global culinary trends with local flavors, ensuring that each dish tells a unique story. His proficiency in food safety standards, customer engagement, and team management makes him an invaluable addition to the Novotel Pune family.

In his new role at Novotel Pune, Chef Gaurav will spearhead the hotel’s culinary operations, overseeing menu innovations, maintaining high-quality food standards, curating exceptional dining experiences for guests and launch of our upcoming restaurant SOAK (Global Grill).

Novotel Goa Candolim has opend ‘The Little Place’, a lively new cafe that promises to be a culinary delight for coffee aficionados and food lovers alike. 

This exciting addition to the property offers an exceptional menu featuring a fusion of flavours and an inviting atmosphere perfect for socializing or unwinding.

"Food has the power to bring people together. At The Little Place, we are committed to providing freshly baked goods and breads that are sure to enhance the overall experience, making it a perfect spot for both casual meet-ups and special occasions,” shared Chef Aishwarya Chougale.

The Little Place spans 750 sq ft, designed with a casual theme that encourages guests to relax and enjoy their time. The cafe in a collaboration with The Coffee Co as their coffee partner offers impressive selection of coffee beverages, including classics like Espresso, Cafe Mocha, and South Indian Filter Coffee, as well as creations such as the Ferrero Rocher Iced Latte, Tiramisu Frappe, and many more.

In addition to its standout coffee offerings, The Little Place boasts a delectable range of bakery items such as croissants, cupcakes, and cookies, curated by Chef Aishwarya, the Pastry Bakery In-charge, for those looking to satiate sweet cravings, flavourful choices of gelatos and flavoured paans complement the cafe's beverage selection. Chef Aishwarya is renowned for her excellent creations of high-quality bakery items and her dedication to only using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

With its vibrant atmosphere and an enticing menu featuring signature drinks and delectable pastries, The Little Place at Novotel Goa Candolim is set to become a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a delightful cafe experience.

Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre (NJCC) & Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) managed by Accor has appointed Manuj Ralhan as the new General Manager. 

With a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and a proven track record of excellence, Manuj brings a dynamic and visionary leadership style to lead both these prestigious venues. 

“I am honored to take on the role of General Manager for Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre & Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre. I am excited to lead this exceptional team and look forward to delivering outstanding experiences to our guests and creating memorable moments at this remarkable destination,” he added.

He has put up a young, energetic and passionate team together in a very short span of time to create memorable experiences for guests of all segments and position Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre as the premier destination for events and accommodations in Jaipur.

Boasting a distinguished career spanning more than two decades within the hospitality industry, Manuj has honed his expertise through key roles at esteemed brands, including Four Seasons, Marriott International, Intercontinental Hotels, Shangri-La, Taj, and The Oberoi Hotels. Manuj is notably acclaimed for his proficiency in orchestrating successful pre-opening ventures across a spectrum of luxury, business hotels, and resorts, both within India and internationally.

Manuj holds a Diploma in Hospitality from the American Hotel and Lodging Association and completed his Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management from the University of Bengaluru, a city he is intimately familiar with. Additionally, he holds a Cornell certification in Finance for Hotels and a Diploma from the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Beyond his professional pursuits, Manuj is deeply passionate about experiential travel, prioritizes health and fitness, and savours the art of handcrafted gins, single estate teas, first origin coffees.

Mercure Hyderabad KCP has appointed Shreedhar Punna as the Executive Chef for the hotel property.

He is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience working in the culinary industry with brands like The Taj, and Accor, besides serving on luxury cruise lines. 

He is proficient in successfully handling food and beverage, banquet operations, catering, and hospitality management. His experience, vision, and passion will help Mercure Hyderabad KCP create unparalleled dining experiences for guests.

"It gives me immense pleasure to welcome Chef Shreedhar to Mercure Hyderabad as Executive Chef. We believe that his unwavering dedication and passion for the art of cooking with an innovative approach will further elevate dining experiences for our patrons. We look forward to creating some memorable gastronomic rendezvous for our guests with his strong foundation and seasoned experience in culinary operations.” Said Parag Shah, General Manager-Mercure KCP Hyderabad.

In his present role, he will lead the culinary team at Mercure Hyderabad KCP. He will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the culinary operations, from menu development to hiring, training, and supervising the staff. 

Besides, he will also be responsible for the layout of pricing, budgeting, performance assessment, and cost control in the kitchen operations at the property. 

Accor, a global hospitality leader, has launched its 24th Novotel property in India, with the opening of Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre (NJCC), which is set to redefine Indian hospitality and become the preferred destination for both global business and leisure travelers alike.

The hotel's proximity to the Jaipur  Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), is  renowned as South Asia's premier purpose-built, state-of-the-art venue for exhibitions, conventions, and entertainment. 

Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre broads 226 modern, well-appointed rooms, catering to the diverse needs of every guest. The rooms offer essential amenities and a tranquil hospitality experience with the best-in-class service for its guests. Conveniently located near Jaipur International
 
“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre in the vibrant city of Jaipur. This latest addition to our portfolio in India strengthens our commitment to delivering cutting- edge amenities and services. The Jaipur Exhibition Convention Centre represents a valuable expansion that is poised to fuel the growth of the Accor in India, further solidifying our position as a leading provider of large-scale exhibition and convention venues in the country.” Said Puneet Dhawan, South Asia’s Vice-President Operations, Accor in India.

Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre invites guests to savour a diverse and delightful dining experience, offering three distinct dining venues, each promising a unique and memorable encounter with the cuisine. Food Exchange,  the multi-cuisine restaurant, has two exclusive open kitchens, harmoniously    blending global and local flavours in a stylish setting that encourages social interactions. For a more intimate atmosphere, Ravanta provides intimate dining by the pool amidst a musical ambiance. Meanwhile, the Gourmet Bar provides a casual and friendly space for enjoying trendy drinks, balanced meals, and coffee, perfect for unwinding at the bar.

“We are pleased to partner with Accor to manage and operate NJCC and JECC. Their expertise and global reach will act as a catalyst to put Jaipur on the International map and provide impetus to the hospitality sector in the state” said Harimohan Dangayach, Chairman, Dangayach Group.

Novotel Pune celebrates its 10th anniversary with an addition to its offering, the "Novolution" Premier Rooms.

Novotel Pune, part of Accor India, has embarked on a mission to transform the guest experience.

They've curated a range of cutting-edge, tech-savvy rooms, thoughtfully crafted to cater to the desires and tastes of today's modern travelers."

Characterized by their minimalistic design, sleek aesthetics, and muted color palettes, these rooms provide an unmatched experience for the guests.

The deluxe rooms, beginning at around 290 square feet with a vibrant and contemporary atmosphere. 

The premier suites cover around 560 square feet. These suites present a roomy bedroom with a king-sized bed, accompanied by a separate living space for leisure or entertainment.

The bathrooms are outfitted with both bathtubs and rain shower amenities, promising a lavish experience.

Novotel has a presence in more than 60 countries with a network of over 530 establishments, is affiliated with Accor, a global hospitality encompassing in excess of 5,200 properties and 10,000 dining venues across 110 nations.

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre has launched a new gastronomic haven, HYBA (Hyderabad Brings Arabia). 

This Pan Arabic – inspired restaurant offers a delightful culinary journey, celebrating the rich flavours and tastes inspired by Arabia, brining along the essence of the Middle Eastern Culinary Heritage. 

The choice of the cuisine largely relates to its blend of aromas, spices and tantalizing tastes. Spices from India add flavour to the dishes along with Middle Eastern spices like saffron, thyme, garlic and yogurt making the palate live up to its promise of leaving one with savoury tastes, craving for more. 

HYBA, nestled within the renowned Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre introduces a refreshing concept with a modern appeal. Overlooking the beautiful pool, the ambiance is meticulously designed to create an atmosphere of relaxation and comfort, seamlessly blending modern elegance with timeless charm. Posing a range of seating options varying from cozy indoors, romantic outdoors & casual by the bar, this outlet is an offering, ideal for families, couples, friends & solo visitors alike. 

The menu at HYBA is a delightful exploration of Mediterranean flavors, featuring an enticing selection of dishes including, Jujeh Kebab, Lamb Tagine, Ruz Bukhari, Kunafa, and much more. Each dish is burst of satiating charm.  

“HYBA is a culinary celebration of the Mediterranean's finest flavors, where tradition and innovation unite to create a symphony of taste that transports our guests to the heart of the region. Hyba isn’t just about the cuisine, it’s about the transformation we wish to bring to our gastronomy,” said Chef Kailash Gundupalli, Director of Culinary Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & Hyderabad International Convention.

The beverage philosphy including signature infusions & a bespoke Hyba experience i.e. House of Hyba are a worthy mention. These infusions have been perfected by their mixologists overtime to ensure an authentic & refreshing combination. 

"It warms my heart to finally open the doors to our new culinary delight, HYBA.  Ever since we started out on this quest for a speciality restaurant to liven up our already exciting space, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, we knew we wanted to bring a cuisine, that is not only from a region that the Hydrabadis are aspirational about, but is also one that is close to their hearts, » Rubin Cherian, the General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & Hyderabad International Convention.

Accor, a world-leading hospitality Group boasting more than 1,000 properties located across Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, has announced its latest addition to the Mercure portfolio in India, with Mercure Lucknow. 

The newly signed hotel is under development by Meghalaya Hotels Pvt Ltd.

Scheduled to welcome guests from April 2024, Mercure Lucknow Ekana Sportz City is set to deliver an unparalleled stay experience, setting new standards of hospitality in the vibrant city of Lucknow. The hotel will be strategically located next to the iconic Ekana International Cricket Stadium, offering convenient access to the city's major attractions, business districts, and transportation hubs.

“We are very excited to share the news of our partnership with Meghalaya Hotels Pvt Ltd to introduce the prestigious Mercure brand to Lucknow. This vibrant city, celebrated for its profound cultural heritage and thriving business environment, offers an ideal setting for our partnership,” shared Aniruddh Kumar, VP-Development, India & South Asia for Accor.

The property will boast 110 elegantly appointed rooms, providing guests with a comfortable and relaxing environment during their stay. Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the hotel's all-day dining restaurant, offering a delectable array of local and international cuisines. Moreover, the elegant lobby bar will provide the perfect setting for guests to unwind and enjoy refreshing beverages after a busy day of exploring the city.

One of the unique attractions of Mercure Lucknow Ekana Sportz City will be its Terrace Bar, where guests will be able to indulge in breathtaking views of the city's skyline, while spending quality time with friends and family over refreshing drinks.

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Accor with the introduction of the Mercure brand to the city of Nawabs, Lucknow. With our commitment to providing unparalleled service and exceptional guest experiences, we believe that Mercure Lucknow will soon become the preferred choice for business and leisure travellers alike,” added China Sanyasi Raju Grandhi, Owner of Meghalaya Hotels Private Limited.

Accor currently operates 58 properties in India, under the Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure and ibis brands. The Group has a strong pipeline of 25 properties currently under development in India.

Accor, the renowned global hospitality group, has recently named Nidhi Verma as the new Director of Marketing & Communication for India and South Asia.

Nidhi's proficiency in marketing, public relations, and brand establishment adds significant value to Accor's marketing and communication strategies in the region.

In her role as the Director of Marketing & Communications for India and South Asia, Nidhi Verma will assume the responsibility of spearheading the creation and implementation of comprehensive public relations initiatives that align with the brand's marketing strategies.

She will also utilize a holistic approach across multiple media channels to maximize the impact of these campaigns.

Nidhi Verma's professional journey highlights her exceptional abilities in effectively overseeing PR agencies and marketing partners, fostering fruitful collaborations and achieving remarkable outcomes.

She has established strong connections with esteemed editors, prominent social media influencers, and influential business figures, leading to successful partnerships and increased brand visibility.

“We are confident that Nidhi’s extensive experience, expertise and leadership skills will further strengthen the Accor’s presence and reputation in India and South Asia. With her strategic mind-set, innovative approach, and dedication to excellence, I am certain that she is poised to make a significant impact on Accor's marketing and communication strategies in the region.” said Puneet Dhawan, Senior VP Operations, India and South Asia

Nidhi's outstanding communication skills, coupled with her adeptness at managing competing priorities and navigating difficult scenarios, have been instrumental in handling crisis communication and overcoming obstacles to attain desired goals.

Nidhi Verma has an established track record of devising and executing prosperous PR campaigns, cultivating strong connections with the media and influencers, and effectively handling regulatory matters.

Additionally, she has played a crucial role in positioning brands as frontrunners within their respective industries.

Prithvi Pal Singh Anand has joined as Director of Sales and Marketing for Novotel Hyderabad and Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), India’s largest state-of-the-art convention hotel complex.

With an awe-inspiring career spanning over 17 years in the realm of hospitality, Prithvi brings a remarkable blend of expertise, passion, and a proven track record of excellence.

A trailblazer in the industry, Prithvi has left an indelible mark during his tenure with renowned hotel brands; including the likes of Taj Hotels, Accor, ITC Hotels, Bharat Hotels, and his last stint of 7 years with Trident and the Oberoi Group.

His repertoire boasts an unrivalled proficiency in Business and Account Strategy, International Conventions, Exhibitions, and Associations, alongside the mastery of corporate and social sales.

“It is our pleasure to have a leader join our Sales and Marketing department, whose experience in the hospitality industry, coupled with his exceptional skills and strategic mindset, will be instrumental in driving our sales efforts and achieving new heights of success. Prithvi’s leadership and industry knowledge will further solidify and extend Novotel Hyderabad and HICC's positions as a premier destination for world-class events and conventions ahead,” shared Rubin Cherian, General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre.

A true visionary, Prithvi played a pivotal role in the pre-opening teams of the iconic ITC Grand Chola Chennai and the splendid ITC Maurya New Delhi, where he meticulously crafted strategies that propelled these establishments to the forefront of MICE and Catering Sales.

An alumnus of Hyderabad Public School, holding a bachelor's degree in arts from the esteemed University of Huddersfield, U.K., Prithvi specialized in Hotel Management from renowned IHM Aurangabad, honing his skills to perfection.

With an extraordinary fusion of knowledge, unwavering leadership acumen, and an unyielding dedication to excellence, Prithvi is poised to revolutionize the Sales and Marketing landscape, further solidifying Novotel Hyderabad and HICC as the quintessential haven for both discerning business travelers and leisure seekers alike.

Raffles Udaipur has appointed Gautam Khanna as the new Director of Operations.

Gautam brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry spanning over 14 years to his new position at Raffles Udaipur.

During this time, he has been associated with renowned hotel chains like ITC Hotels and Marriott International. His last assignment was as the Director of Food and Beverage of Pullman and Novotel at the Aerocity in New Delhi.  

"We are delighted to have Gautam join our team at Raffles Udaipur. With his extensive experience and proven track record in the hospitality industry, he will play a key role in elevating our guests' experiences and driving the hotel's success to new heights,” shared Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur.

In this role, Gautam will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and driving operational excellence.

He will also work closely with the hotel's management team to develop and implement strategies to enhance the hotel's performance and reputation. 

Gautam spent close to 8 years with ITC Hotels where he graduated as a Management Trainee from the prestigious Welcomgroup Management Institute. He was an integral part of the F&B for ITC Maurya where he rose from a Restaurant Manager to an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager.  

During his tenure at the Accor run complex at Aerocity, Gautam played a pivotal role in launching multiple activations for the hotel, further increasing domestic demand. The hotel was conferred with numerous awards like Best Best Sunday Brunch by Travel & Leisure, Best Trending F&B Destination by HT City, and Best South East Asian by Times Food Award during his tenure. 

Gautam has also been conferred the Food & Beverage Professional of the Year by Asia Food Congress in 2020. He has been recognized for his contribution to F&B Trends in the Country by numerous Food and Nightlife Magazines during the trajectory of his career.

Sofitel Mumbai BKC has appointed Maharaj Pratap Swami as the new Chef at Tuskers. 

The all-vegetarian specialty restaurant, serving traditional local cuisine, will benefit from Maharaj Swami’s expertise, including his deep-seated knowledge of Marwari, Punjabi and Gujrati cuisines. 

Maharaj Pratap spent the bulk of his professional career with the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Colaba, cooking for their Indian restaurants and banqueting events, especially weddings. He began learning cooking techniques and recipes from an early age from his father, who was also a Maharaj. He was also a part of the outdoor catering teams for a number of the Taj Group’s most prolific events, to places across the globe including Switzerland, Dubai and Morocco. 

Born and raised in Pali, Rajasthan, Maharaj Pratap has always been greatly inspired by cuisine from his native region. His fondness for Rajasthani food has extended to other Indian regional cuisines, making him an expert in local cooking and recipes. His long-time inspiration has been Chef Hemant Oberoi, with whom he was fortunate to work closely, across many events both in the hotel and internationally. A keen learner, Maharaj Pratap would observe the curation of each event’s menus by the head chefs, and then try his hand at executing the dishes. 

Maharaj Pratap’s repertoire of regional and local recipes will be an immediate added advantage to Tuskers, where the menus are inspired by thoughtful, home-style cooking with an emphasis on purity and simplicity. 

In his free time, Maharaj Pratap enjoys watching cricket and soccer, the latter of which he used to play in his youth.

Novotel Pune has appointed Abhijeet Gadgil as the Director of Sales & Marketing.

With 12+ years of experience, Abhijeet is a performance driven professional and has an outstanding record of achievements.

With a rich expérience in the industry he will bring a combination of sales expertise together with a natural ability to motivate and nurture a dynamic team.

Abhijeet commenced his journey in the field of hospitality with BBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Kohinoor IMI - School of Hospitality Management.

He started his career with The Pride Hotel Pune as a Management Trainee in 2010 after completing his degree. Since then there has been no looking back. His last assignment was at Fairfield by Marriott Goa Benaulim as a Director of Sales where he was a part right from the pre –opening. He has been a part of the Marriott family for over 10 years in multiple roles garnering expertise in various verticals of hospitality.

Having a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry over the last 12 years, Abhijeet’s career has focused on implementing strategic marketing plans, attracting new business and managing the sales and marketing operating budgets. In his new role as Director of Sales and Marketing at Novotel Pune, Abhijeet is committed to demonstrating his creative approach to lead the hotel in achieving its key revenue budgets.  With his strong business acumen, Abhijeet will work towards creating and implementing strategies that will elevate the brand presence as well as revenue of Novotel Pune in the market.

Abhijeet is a sportsman and in his free time he enjoys playing football, cricket and table tennis. He also loves travelling and exploring new places.

Raffles Udaipur, India’s first outpost of the luxurious Raffles hotel chain, has appointed Sohil Bhargava as the Food & Beverage Manager.

In this role, Sohil will be responsible for overseeing the hotel's dining outlets, catering operations, and specialized events.

Sohil brings a wealth of experience to the position, having worked in the hospitality food and beverage industry for over 9.5 years. He has a proven track record of success in managing high-volume restaurants and the full spectrum of catering operations, including event detailing, catering operations, menu creation, monitoring of food preparation, and presenting food and beverages in an aesthetically pleasing manner while maintaining standards.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sohil to the Raffles Udaipur team. With his expertise and passion for the industry, we are confident that he will help us to continue to deliver outstanding dining experiences to our guests,” shared Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur.

Sohil began his career as a Corporate Leadership Trainee with the Hyatt Hotels Corporation. He moved on to Grand Hyatt Goa as the Assistant Banquet Manager before transitioning to the role of Assistant Restaurant Manager. Sohil delivered a stupendous dining and entertainment experience with international standards as the Assistant Director of Restaurant Operations at Andaz Delhi. From there, he relocated to the Grand Hyatt Gurgaon where he took the post of Outlets Manager before being promoted to Assistant Director Food & Beverage. He has had a successful career in the industry as a result of his hard work, perseverance, integrity and creativity.

Sohil is a specialist at and planning gastronomic events to increase sales over time. At Raffles Udaipur, he will handle menu engineering, revenue management, staff and operations management, and event curation along with his team. He is a great leader who believes in building empowered teams and being a hands-on manager. He is set to be a valuable addition to the team at Raffles Udaipur in his new role. 

One of the fastest growing premium tea brand Seven Spring has recently entered a corporate tie-up with leading hotel chain, Accor Hotels, to supply its premium range of teas to more than 21 brand hotels across the country.

The brand has introduced India’s first 100% compostable and eco-friendly packaging of sachet covers for tea bags. With this, Seven Spring is the only company to offer sachets with 100% paper packaging with Zero plastic and aluminum foils.

“My experience is brilliant with corporates. They are extremely professional and helpful. Moreover, they understand the product and the benefits of consuming the same, which makes it easier for us to convince them and eventually builds trust in each other. This segment has helped us to understand our market and products with altogether different viewpoint,” shared Sejal Purohit, Founder, Seven Spring.

Under Seven Spring’s partnership with Accor, the brand will supply its entire range of teas in this new and innovative packaging to spread awareness about the importance of using environment friendly products.

The tea range on offer at the hotels will include - pyramid tea bags, loose leaf, and tisanes across all Accor properties in India.

Seven Spring was launched in the year 2020 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The brand, which brings out its own concoctions of teas from tea leaves sourced from across the globe, has grown immensely within two years, both in terms of variety on offer, currently 50 variants, and the brand reach. The brand has its presence on e-commerce platforms such as Bigbasket, Amazon and company’s own platform, www.sevenspring.in and plans to venture the mom-n-pop stores.

Seven Spring is available on e-commerce platforms such as Bigbasket and Amazon and across 5-star hotels in India. 

Sofitel Mumbai BKC, the elegant, luxury hotel in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, introduces Waris Hasan Qureshi as the new Indian Master Chef at Jyran.

The award-winning signature restaurant, serving authentic cuisine inspired by the Northwest Indian Frontier Province, will now be helmed by Chef Qureshi, who specializes in Awadhi, Hyderabadi, and Kashmiri cuisines. 

A curious learner, Waris spent his early years in a quaint village in Lucknow listening to the tales of innovative Indian cuisine from his great grandfather Mohammed Yusuf Qureshi, who was the head Chef to the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, in 18th century Lucknow. At the age of 12, he was intrigued by the stories about the feasts his grandfather cooked for the Nawabs and his guests, and that developed his interest in food and cuisine. His great-grandfather’s legacy is being carried forward by his father, who now runs a catering business in Lucknow. He was a helping hand to his father until he decided to come to Mumbai. 

He first began his culinary journey in 2013 at Tote on the Turf. He then moved on to Blue Waters restaurant, followed by an appointment at Oakwood, now Z-Luxury Residences. Armed with his recently honed skills, he transitioned into the world of hotels over the years and soon joined Marriott International with the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, where Chef Qureshi began focusing on specialty menus and cuisines.

After this, he joined two hotel chains in succession – the Bengaluru Marriott Whitefield, followed by the Conrad Pune, where Chef Qureshi progressed from Senior Chef de Partie to Junior Sous Chef (Indian Master Chef) within a year. 

Across his roles, Chef Qureshi remained focused on developing new and unique menus, featuring traditional, authentic flavors and celebrating specialty cuisines via food festivals and previously unknown recipes.

His Signature dishes include Awadhi Ghosh Dum Biryani, Shahi Ghosh ki Gilawat, Kakori Kebabs, and Nalli Nihari.

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) & Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) announced the elevation of Amarjeet Singh as the Director of Marketing for the property.

In his present role, he will be responsible for strategizing, budgeting, planning, and implementing marketing and communication activities for the property in line with the business requirements.

“We are extremely delighted to announce the elevation of Amarjeet Singh as Director of Marketing. He has been a valuable asset to the team driving the marketing and communication strategy for the property through innovative campaigns and enhancing the visibility and repute. He has been instrumental in positioning and promoting the property in the right light and is a catalyst in our development. We are confident that he will strive hard in his new role and further contribute to the property’s growth,” shared Manish Dayya, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & Hyderabad International Convention Centre.

Amarjeet has a proven track record of 18 years with extensive experience in Marketing and Communication. He has also been nominated as the best Marketing & Communications Manager at the Hospitality India Awards by Hotelier India Magazine.

He has worked in the hospitality sales & marketing teams and was actively involved in strategic planning and execution of communication strategy, managing Digital Marketing and social media strategies across channels with proven leadership qualities, relationships, adaptability, and communication skills.

He holds a Diploma in Event management from Event Management Development Institute, Mumbai. He has successfully driven the Marketing, Communication & PR for renowned brands like Park Hyatt- Chennai, Novotel - Mumbai Juhu Beach, besides BNP Paribas Asset Management India Pvt Ltd. He joined Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre as Manager of Marketing & Communications in 2019.

Sofitel Mumbai BKC has appointed Sidney Dcunha as the new Director of Culinary. 

Having grown up in the busy metropolis of Mumbai city, the charming Sidney developed his interest in food and cuisine during his childhood summer holidays in Mangalore, where he curiously watched his family’s bakery business, specializing in plum cakes, especially during Christmas.

Having worked with some of the leading Michelin star venues in New York, under celebrity Chefs such as Michel Roux Snr, Floyd Cardoz, and Hemant Oberoi in India, Sidney brings over 18 years of experience in the culinary space. His last assignment was with The Conrad Hotel in Pune, first as Executive Chef before becoming Culinary Director in January 2022.

He first began his culinary journey in 2002, training at properties like the ITC Grand Maratha, Sheraton and The Oberoi, Mumbai before joining the Taj Management Training Program, working at Taj hotels in Delhi and Chennai during this time.

Sidney then joined The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai, as Junior Sous Chef at Masala Kraft Kitchen, in 2006. This was followed by a year spent at The Taj Pierre New York and The Taj Boston, where he introduced Indian food to the hotel menus, as a specialty Indian chef. In 2008, D’Cunha returned to The Taj Mahal Palace & Towers in Mumbai, this time as Sous Chef (CDC) at Masala Kraft. In March 2012, he switched culinary focus and joined Golden Dragon as Sous Chef. 

Throughout his career, D’Cunha has developed rich culinary experience and the ability to cater to both Indian and international palates. He also brings with him a deep knowledge of structuring culinary teams, launching new culinary concepts, and working with large-scale banqueting, all while keeping an eye on the bottom line. 

Novotel Hyderabad Airport has appointed Kazim Mehdi as F&B Director.

He would be in charge of managing all aspects of the food and beverage responsibilities and ensuring that Novotel's food ideology is reflected across all its restaurants.

“We are elated to have a seasoned professional like Kazim join us at Novotel Hyderabad Airport.   With his extensive knowledge in F&B and global trends coupled with his management and operation skills, he will surely help boost the overall growth of the property both in terms of topline, as well as experiences,” shared Rubin Cherian - General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport. 

Through his expertise, he will help not only to bolster an improved business environment by analyzing and suggesting trends in the hospitality industry but also deliver positive results by improving guest satisfaction and profitability simultaneously.

Kazim is a seasoned, energetic, passionate, and highly motivated hospitality professional with over 17 years of experience in managing F&B operations at leading luxury hotels & resorts. These include Al Shalal Beach Club, Dubai; Fairmont India, Jaipur; and Fairmont Ajman, UAE. He will utilize his extensive skills and knowledge in bestowing leadership that will help achieve fruitful business results. He intends on addressing guests' requirements and concerns by further improving the quality of service and profitability.

Along with many other achievements, Kazim completed the ‘Global Leadership Program’ on March’21 from Accor Academy, Dubai. He has also been acknowledged as ‘Leader of the Year 2018-2019’, Fairmont Ajman, UAE; and ‘Leader of the Quarter’ for 2018, Fairmont Ajman, UAE.

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has relaunched their very own Péché Mignon, Juhu’s first French Patisserie which will provide delectable, exquisite and unique delicacies.

The outlet has set its foot back at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach after a few years now.

"Péché Mignon has had great success in the past and is now back and better than ever. I have no doubt that many of our devoted visitors will be excited by this news. Getting customers to shell out for the experience is one of the toughest hurdles for most bakeries, but Péché Mignon has nothing but an overall praiseworthy experience to offer its consumers,” shared Gorav Arora, General Manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.

Nestled amidst the shores of Juhu Beach overlooking the Arabian Sea, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach offers a perfect balance of nature and style with modern comfort.

Péché Mignon is French for "Sweet Sin." Here, one may savour a plethora of freshly baked delicacies that are traditional, modern, and revolutionary. The dedicated chefs at Péché Mignon have refined the French patisserie, traditional breads and sandwiches, aromatic teas and coffees and sumptuous desserts to leave the guests with a memorable taste.

"Every dish, in my opinion, tells a unique story and is inspired by the journey and work of art, making it distinctive in its own way. I believe in serving an experience rather than mere food on the table,” added Chef Rajesh Paramashivan, Pastry Chef, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.

Novotel Pune has appointed Tushar Joshi as the Rooms Division Manager to its family.

Bringing over 15 years of experience in Front Office and hospitality industry to the role, Tushar is adept at managing and coordinating of all room area departments. He oversees the planning, developing, implementing and evaluating the quality of the hotel’s guest rooms.

Tushar’s responsibilities also include improving guest satisfaction by ensuring that the Rooms Division meets the brand standards. His focus lies in targeting customer needs, revenue growth and maximizing the financial performance of the department.

He is a hardworking disciplinarian and an excellent communicator possessing strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. During his 15 years of professional tenure he has been a part of 7 pre-opening teams. 

Tushar has a degree in Hotel Management & Catering Technology. He started his career with Oberoi Group and subsequently worked with leading hotels such as J.W. Marriott Juhu - Mumbai, Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram, Pune Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre (J.W. Marriott Pune now), Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Centre & The Lakeside Chalet Marriott Executive Apartments. In his last assignment he was working with Courtyard by Marriott Nashik as the Rooms Division Manager.

Novotel Pune has appointed Tarique Helekar as the new F&B manager at the hotel.

Tarique brings with him a remarkable experience of over 16 years in F&B and Hospitality. Having worked with brands such as IHCL hotels, Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels, he has an unmatched experience and expertise in food and beverage.

Creating memories for guests through unique dining experiences has always fascinated Tarique. He thrives on developing new ideas and concepts, innovative and creative ways to improve the service standards to delight guests.

As the F&B manager at Novotel Pune, Tarique plans to invest time in growth and development of associates and empowering them to provide exceptional guest service. He would also like to focus on innovation and implementation of new trends in food and beverage operations.

“We at Novotel Pune are excited for Tarique’s journey at the hotel. With his understanding of international F&B trends, restaurant management and operations, he will surely help us boost the growth of F&B at Novotel Pune,” shared the company release.

Hotels, restaurants and the fast-serving Darshini outlets in Bengaluru have requested their landlords to waive rentals for three months from March 15, in view of the loss of business due to the Covid-19 outbreak and uncertainties about the future.

The Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association in a letter to the landlords of hotels and restaurants, proposed ‘a complete waiver of rentals’ and common-area maintenance fee for up to June or till such time business lockdown ends, whichever is later.

While making the plea, PC Rao, President said the industry was fighting a very grim battle for survival. “We are seeking these reliefs just for ensuring the businesses don’t die an instant death, leaving behind a trail of many unfulfilled dreams and lakhs of lost jobs, which will directly and indirectly affect everyone,” he mentioned.

Hoteliers have also batted for relief from the Bengaluru city municipal body for owners of these buildings. In a separate letter to the BBMP, Karnataka Pradesh Hotel & Restaurants’ Association has requested the civic body to offer a 50% discount on property tax on commercial buildings where hotels and restaurants are located. Landlords can pass on that benefit to the tenants, it said.

The lockdown is likely to have a long-term impact on restaurant and hotel businesses that have come to a standstill, barring small transactions of take-away food. Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association joint secretary Prabhakar Shetty said business might not resume even after the lockdown was lifted and many restaurants might see permanent closure if not for government’s intervention.

“We may not see customers for the next few months fearing virus transmission. Lodges and hotel rooms too will have severe repercussions due to the restrictions on domestic travel,” Shetty said.

Industry veteran P Sadananda Maiya said many small outlets would close down, being unable to pay the rent. “Many of us have not been able to open our restaurant and to do even the ‘take-away’ business as there are lots of restrictions on customer movement. Added to this, we have no clear visibility on orders which results in a lot of wastage of food,” he said.

Some restaurant owners are also worried about how to resume the business once the lockdown is lifted, as many of their employees have returned to their villages.

Strengthening its dynamic team further, The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi is pleased to announce the appointment of Prateek Kalra as the Director of Operations.

Kalra brings with him over 14 years of hospitality experience and proficiency in handling multi-faceted roles.

In his new role, he will be seen providing strategic leadership to all departments and overseeing smooth functioning of the bustling 313 room luxury hotel with seven vibrant food and beverage outlets and sprawling event spaces. He will be using his expertise to nurture a business environment that consistently delivers positive results while improving guest satisfaction and profitability.

Prior to his current appointment he has been the Director of Food & Beverages at Taj Coromandel, Chennai and at JW Marriott Mumbai, Sahar which was his last role.

“It will be exciting to embark on a new journey with The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi and I look forward to working with the team towards creating enhanced experiences for guests along with driving the hotel’s continuing success and reputation to the next level,” he shared.

An alumni of the Institute of Hotel Management Mumbai, Kalra started his hospitality career in the Food and Beverage space as a Management trainee with the Taj Management Training Program and has worked across various roles and cities.

“Prateek’s passion, energy and experience are a welcome addition in our continued pursuit of hospitality excellence. We are confident that his strong leadership skills will complement the rapid growth of the hotel and fortify our commitment to provide our guests with inspired and innovative experiences” said Rahul Puri, Multi Property General Manager - The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi and The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa.

Apart from being an adept hotelier, he enjoys a game of badminton in his leisure time and loves travelling and exploring new destinations.