Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars is delighted to announce the appointment of Nicholas Durham as the Director of Food & Beverage. With a wealth of industry experience and a dynamic vision for growth, Durham is set to lead the hotel’s renowned dining outlets, including the celebrated Chinese Cricket Club, NYnLON, Leaf & Cane bar, and City Lounge, into an exciting new chapter.
In his new role, Durham will oversee three kitchen teams and the overall service experience, with a focus on elevating the hotel’s F&B offering to new heights. He aims to bring the unique character of each dining outlet to life while developing exceptional private dining opportunities across the hotel. With a background in events and large banqueting operations, Durham is well-equipped to enhance the luxury F&B experiences in the heart of the City of London.
Durham joins Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars following a successful tenure at the five-star Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh, where he served as the Director of Food & Beverage. His return to London brings him back to familiar territory, having held previous F&B leadership roles at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Known for his creative vision, revenue growth achievements, and operational expertise, Durham is poised to elevate the culinary offerings at Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars.
“I am thrilled to have joined the team at Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars and lead the incredible food & beverage outlets to new heights. The brands within this hotel have unique stories to tell, and with such a diverse range of offerings, the sky truly is the limit. My goal is to establish these outlets as some of the City of London’s favorites by creating unforgettable dining experiences and pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence. I look forward to working with all members of the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars team to achieve this vision in 2025 and beyond,” said Durham.
Since joining the team in late 2024, Durham has already made a significant impact. Chinese Cricket Club recently received two AA Rosettes, marking a new standard of culinary excellence. To celebrate this achievement, the restaurant launched the elegant Rose Set Menu, showcasing Head Chef Tony Truong’s innovative take on classic Chinese cuisine, including the show-stopping Smoked Peking Duck.
Looking ahead, Durham plans to implement a series of enhancements across the hotel’s F&B offerings. NYnLON will introduce a refreshed seasonal menu featuring premium takes on transatlantic favorites, such as the Lobster & Crayfish Roll and Devon Crab Linguine. The wine list will also be reimagined, with a focus on American and British wines, including an extensive selection of English sparkling varieties. Leaf & Cane will introduce Tommy Tuesdays, offering guests a lively pairing of tacos and Tommy’s margaritas.
In line with the development of Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars’ F&B landscape, Aiden Page has been appointed as the new Food & Beverage Operations Manager, bringing valuable experience from his role as Bar Manager at Shangri-La The Shard. This appointment underscores the hotel’s commitment to nurturing talent and driving growth within its F&B division, with Durham leading the way.
With Nicholas Durham at the helm, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars is poised for an exciting year ahead. His innovative vision and dedication to excellence will elevate the hotel’s dining destinations to become some of the most sought-after culinary experiences in the City of London.
