Dave

New British Airways route to Tromsø

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British Airways has announced the launch of its first-ever flight to Tromsø, Norway, set to commence on 1 December 2024.

This new route will make Tromsø the airline’s most northerly destination, offering UK-based business travellers and holidaymakers alike a unique opportunity to explore this Arctic gem.

Tromsø, renowned for its spectacular views of the aurora borealis, is perfectly situated within the northern lights’ oval. With winter temperatures ranging from 0°C to -5°C, it promises a true winter wonderland experience, complete with skiing, mountaineering, and whale watching. The city’s festive charm is further enhanced by its popular Christmas markets, particularly the picturesque market in Stortorget, the main square.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the new route:

Those who missed the northern lights in the UK need not worry! We are excited to welcome Tromsø to our route network – it is a growing winter leisure market thanks to its abundance of cold-weather activities and we’ll be the only premium carrier operating there from the UK.

We’ve optimised the schedule for three- and four-night trips, which we know are perfect for a destination like this.

Return flights to Tromsø are now available from £153 and will run twice a week until 27 March 2025. Travellers can bring skiing or snowboarding equipment as part of their checked baggage, provided it fits within the dimensions of 190 x 75 x 65cm.

Tromsø, Norway: British Airways serves more than 190 destinations across more than 65 countries, including routes with its partnership airlines

Tromsø’s inclusion in British Airways’ network highlights the airline’s commitment to expanding its destinations and providing premium travel experiences. Whether for business or leisure, this new route offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in one of the world’s most enchanting winter locations.

For more information on how this new route can benefit your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

EU Travel Tech files GDPR complaint against Ryanair over biometric verification

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EU Travel Tech has officially lodged a complaint with the French and Belgian Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) against Ryanair, challenging the airline’s recent mandate for biometric data processing for customer verification.

This requirement, announced on 8 December 2023, necessitates that customers without an existing account, including those booking through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), provide live self-images or signature images alongside passport details to manage bookings and check-in online.

EU Travel Tech, formerly known as The European Technology and Travel Services Association (ETTSA), represents and promotes the interests of global distribution systems (GDSs) and travel distributors to European stakeholders, advocating for a consumer-driven, innovative, and competitive travel industry based on transparency and sustainability.

EU Travel Tech claims the new procedure not only compromises individual privacy but also raises significant legal concerns under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

According to EU Travel Tech, Ryanair’s biometric verification process appears to contravene GDPR principles of lawfulness, fairness, and transparency, particularly in relation to the processing of special category data, such as biometric information.

The utilisation of biometric data for customer verification, especially without clear, necessary and proportionate justification, introduces substantial risks, including potential data breaches, identity theft, and unwarranted surveillance, claims the association. Unlike other personal data, once biometric information is compromised, it cannot be changed, potentially posing a permanent risk to individuals’ privacy and security.

In light of these concerns, EU Travel Tech has called on the DPAs to investigate Ryanair’s biometric verification process and to take immediate provisional measures to halt its application, as stipulated under GDPR Article 66. The urgency of this case and the potential harm to individuals’ rights and freedoms demand prompt action, claims the association, including the imposition of an effective, proportionate, and dissuasive fine in accordance with GDPR Article 83.

EU Travel Tech has voiced concerns about the slow pace of investigative processes. A previous complaint against Ryanair’s facial verification process, filed by NOYB, the European Center for Digital Rights, in July 2023, remains unresolved. This delay underscores significant worries regarding the efficiency of GDPR enforcement mechanisms, especially when such practices could broadly and adversely impact fundamental rights and freedoms concerning personal data.

EU Travel Tech, alongside organisations representing travel agents and tour operators (ECTAA) and European passengers (EPF), has also written to Vice-President Věra Jourová, urging the European Commission to consider measures to ensure the timely and adequate enforcement of the GDPR.

If you need to book flights on Ryanair routes, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

United Airlines celebrates Wrexham’s promotion with exclusive onboard amenities

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United Airlines has unveiled new, limited-edition Wrexham AFC amenity kits and pyjamas to mark the football team’s recent promotion to League One and their growing global popularity, fueled by the Emmy® award-winning show “FX’s Welcome to Wrexham” now available on Hulu.

These exclusive items are part of United’s extensive sponsorship of Wrexham AFC and will be available from 1 June to passengers flying in premium cabins on long-haul international routes.

Travellers can look forward to receiving complimentary Wrexham AFC-themed amenity kits stocked with travel essentials, including an eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste, along with exclusive Therabody skincare products.

Additionally, United Polaris® customers on flights lasting 14 hours or longer will be treated to pyjamas designed to resemble the team’s kit, featuring a long-sleeve Wrexham red shirt and grey pyjama bottoms.

Polaris kits: a reusable toiletry case for business class passengers in Polaris

United Airlines and Wrexham AFC collaborated to design these unique amenity kits and pyjamas, taking inspiration from the team’s crest, jerseys and ‘overall aesthetic’.

Key offerings include:

  • United x Wrexham AFC Amenity Case: This reusable toiletry case, available in red, black or white, features the Wrexham crest and is equipped with a top handle, wrap-around zipper and a loop for convenient hanging. It is available to United Polaris business class travellers.
  • United x Wrexham AFC Amenity Pouch: For United Premium Plus® travellers, this slim, reusable zippered pouch also features the Wrexham crest and is available in red, black or white. It fits easily into a carry-on bag.
  • United x Wrexham AFC Pyjamas: Available to United Polaris business class travellers on flights of 14 hours or more, the lightweight pajama set includes a red, long-sleeve shirt with the Wrexham AFC and United logos on the front, designed to mimic the team shirt, along with grey pyjama bottoms featuring the United logo on the hip.

Each amenity kit includes United-exclusive Therabody hand cream, lip balm and a cleansing towelette, as well as essential travel items like a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, ear plugs and socks. The United Polaris kit also contains Therabody eye serum, face spray, tissues and a United pen.

Amenity pouches: Wrexham’s colours and badge appear on the complimentary pouches

Peter Wolkowski, Director of Onboard Product Design at United, commented,

With our amenity kits, we always aim to provide customers with products that make their travel journey more comfortable as well as create one-of-a-kind keepsakes for them to enjoy well beyond their flight. Wrexham’s story is one that has been documented and celebrated these last few years, so we’re thrilled to now give United customers team-branded gear they won’t be able to find anywhere else.

As part of their ongoing partnership, United Airlines is offering fans even more access to Wrexham AFC during the club’s 2024-2025 season. United is the front-of-jersey sponsor for both the men’s and women’s teams, with the airline’s name and logo proudly displayed on the front of Wrexham AFC shirts during matches.

Furthermore, United will sponsor the club’s North American summer tour, flying the teams to their games and providing exclusive offerings to MileagePlus members.

For UK-based business travellers, these new offerings from United Airlines not only enhance the travel experience but also provide a unique connection to a rising football club with a passionate following. The partnership between United and Wrexham AFC is a testament to the airline’s commitment to supporting and celebrating global sports culture.

For further information about how United Airlines can enhance your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Celebrate International Tea Day with Emirates and Dilmah’s expert tea pairing tips

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In celebration of International Tea Day on 21 May, Emirates and their long-standing tea partner, Dilmah, share expert insights into the refined art of food and tea pairing, enhancing the experience for business travellers both onboard and at home.

Tea pairing is a sophisticated sensory experience that explores the interplay between the aromas and flavours of tea and food.

Emirates, serving over 33 million cups of tea annually onboard, provides ample opportunities for passengers to indulge in this culinary delight with a selection of twelve gourmet tea blends.

Emirates encourages its customers to enhance their inflight dining by pairing exquisite teas with their meals or recreating tempting Emirates & Dilmah recipes at home. For those looking to impress guests, these pairings extend to complementary teas or tea-infused cocktails.

Signature Pairings for a Premium Experience

Dilmah’s Breakfast Tea, a bright and full-bodied Ceylon tea, pairs perfectly with rich cheese and egg dishes. First Class passengers can enjoy it with scrambled eggs, chicken chipolatas, beans and crushed chive potatoes, while Business Class offers kale and spinach frittatas with roasted potatoes, spinach and portobello mushrooms. In Premium Economy, the charcuterie plate featuring grilled chicken, air-dried beef and a selection of cheeses pairs beautifully with Dilmah Ceylon Black Tea, and Economy Class passengers can savour it with a cheese omelette and grilled chicken sausage.

Natural Green Tea from Dilmah, known for its mild astringency and sweet finish, complements green salads and seafood. First Class dishes like poached lobster tail and masala prawns or Business Class’s pan-seared salmon trout with beurre blanc sauce are ideal pairings. Premium Economy and Economy Class diners can enjoy it with an antipasti salad. Additionally, First and Business Class travellers can relish Moroccan Mint Green Tea with First Class caviar, citrus tarts or the regional favourite dessert – sticky date pudding.

For a caffeine-free option, Dilmah’s Pure Chamomile Flowers offers an uplifting aroma and delicate flavour that harmonises with apple pie, roast turkey, and chicken dishes. Emirates’ offerings such as vegan zucchini tart in First Class and chicken kebab in saffron sauce in Business Class are excellent matches.

Earl Grey Tea by Dilmah, rich and full-bodied with a hint of bergamot, pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes and dark chocolate. First Class travellers can enjoy it with anda masala, while Business Class passengers may opt for peshawari kebab, finishing off with a chocolate mango tart.

Exclusive Emirates Signature Tea

Emirates Signature Tea by Dilmah, available in First Class and Emirates lounges, boasts rose and almond aromas, balanced with spicy ginger and marigold. This bespoke blend pairs exceptionally well with savoury dishes featuring nuts or leafy vegetables and desserts with chocolate and caramel. First Class passengers can indulge in this exclusive tea with luxurious desserts and artisan chocolates.

Training for Excellence

Emirates Cabin Crew receive specialised training from the Dilmah School of Tea to recommend the best tea pairings to passengers. This training covers sustainable origins, unique flavours, perfect brewing techniques, and enhancing flavour with fresh mint, honey, and lemon.

For over three decades, Emirates has partnered with Dilmah Tea, a family-owned Sri Lankan company and the first producer-owned ethical tea brand globally. Dilmah’s commitment to quality and ethical practices ensures that every cup of tea served onboard is a testament to its natural goodness and unrivalled flavour.

To learn more about Emirates flights, schedules and fares, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

IHG expands European footprint with New Staybridge Suites in Budapest, Antwerp and Belfast

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IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced significant growth in the European upscale extended stay segment with the signing of three new Staybridge Suites properties.

The new locations are Staybridge Suites Budapest – Parkside in Hungary, Staybridge Suites Antwerp in Belgium, and Staybridge Suites Belfast in Northern Ireland. This expansion underscores the rising popularity of extended stay accommodations among both owners and guests, and highlights the strength of IHG’s brand portfolio in providing spacious, home-like experiences for longer stays.

Staying true to the Staybridge Suites brand ethos, the new additions will feature spacious residential-style living that caters to the needs of guests looking to live, work and relax during their stays.

Each suite will include a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests the flexibility to prepare their own meals. Additional amenities will include 24-hour fitness rooms, convenience stores, complimentary laundry facilities and secure storage lockers. Guests can also enjoy a daily breakfast buffet and “The Social”, an evening happy hour event hosted three nights a week, offering complimentary small plates and beverages to foster a sense of community.

Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented:

The three latest signings follow the opening of Staybridge Suites Cannes Centre, France, in December 2023. This shows the great appetite for our all-suites offering across Europe as we meet a growing need for trips that blend business and leisure, or for guests staying multiple nights seeking both productivity and relaxation. Globally, the brand’s pipeline equals more than half its current open footprint, showing long-term confidence from our owners who are increasingly investing in this brand in new and dynamic markets. We are delighted to work with our trusted partners to bring these hotels to life, and we can’t wait to see them thrive.

The Latest Staybridge Suites Signings:

Staybridge Suites Budapest – Parkside, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary: Scheduled to open in 2027, this 152-room hotel is part of a mixed-use development project in Budapest’s 13th district. The location offers business travellers easy access to the bustling Vaci Road and leisure guests proximity to Margaret Island, Obuda Island, and City Park

Staybridge Suites Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp, Belgium: Opening at the end of 2026, this 99-room hotel marks the brand’s debut in Belgium. It is ideally situated near the train station, city centre, and the diamond district, appealing to business travellers

Staybridge Suites Belfast, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland: set to open towards the end of 2027, this 132-room hotel will offer stunning views of the city from the upper floors. Located in the Bedford Yard development, it promises convenience and comfort for all guests

In addition to these exciting new properties, Staybridge Suites will also debut in Spain with Staybridge Suites Malaga, opening later this year. This hotel will feature 105 suites and is part of the Urban Sky project, combining the best of apartment living with hotel convenience.

The Staybridge Suites brand is rapidly expanding across Europe, with nine properties in the pipeline set to join the existing ten hotels.

Worldwide, Staybridge Suites boasts 324 open properties and 171 more in development over the next 3-5 years.

This growth is a testament to IHG’s commitment to offering unparalleled extended stay experiences through its all-suites collection, which includes Candlewood Suites and Atwell Suites.

For more information about IHG’s properties, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

LNER’s annual Coffee Cup Run: a blueprint for improved business travel performance

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Rail industry experts have taken to the tracks to experience an LNER journey from a customer’s perspective as part of ongoing efforts to enhance performance and reliability in business travel.

This initiative underscores the commitment to improving the travel experience for UK-based business travellers who frequently use the East Coast route for their national and international trips.

Senior leaders, infrastructure experts, engineers, and operations specialists from the East Coast Partnership participated in the 09:00 LNER service from Edinburgh Waverley to London King’s Cross for the annual Coffee Cup Run.

This event, designed for networking and performance assessment, saw teams from Network Rail, LNER, Hitachi Rail and Northern Trains evaluating the journey to identify and address potential issues impacting performance, reliability and safety.

Customer’s perspective: the team monitoring infrastructure issues, including overhead lines, cable theft and the impact weather can have on services

Last year’s event led to over a dozen improvements being actioned, demonstrating the tangible benefits of this collaborative approach.

The Coffee Cup Run, a revival of a past practice on the East Coast route, originally involved placing a cup of coffee on a train table to gauge track quality by observing the movement of the cup.

Today, the approach is more sophisticated, utilising cutting-edge on-train monitoring systems and real-time data from the train’s CCTV cameras to identify issues affecting ride quality and safety.

This modern methodology enables the cross-industry group to develop and implement effective solutions collaboratively.

During this year’s journey, the focus areas included infrastructure issues such as overhead lines, cable theft and the impact of weather on services. The teams also explored the potential of technology to enhance performance further.

The Coffee Cup Run not only fosters cross-industry collaboration but also allows participants to witness the direct impact of their work on customer experience, thereby promoting a more customer-focused railway system.

John Grainger, Joint Head of Performance for the East Coast Partnership, stated,

We’ve taken an innovative approach to the issue of collaboration and engagement with the aim of improving performance on the East Coast route. By bringing together experts from different organisations, we’re helping to forge new relationships and, importantly, our teams get to see at first-hand how their actions can have a direct impact on the customer’s journey experience. We believe the Coffee Cup Run sets the standard for future industry collaboration and that initiatives such as this will be invaluable to ensuring we deliver the high-performing, customer-focused railway of the future.

Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, added,

These initiatives are vital, allowing us to work effectively with colleagues across the industry to find ways to improve our rail network so that we can deliver better journeys for our passengers. The Coffee Cup Run is a unique event in cross-industry collaboration and recent iterations have already brought about positive change to our railway, such as improvements to ride quality at Colton Junction near York. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on this event and finding ways to deliver more reliable, smoother journeys for our passengers.

For business travellers relying on the East Coast route, these enhancements signal a commitment to providing a more reliable and comfortable travel experience.

To learn more about LNER routes and journeys, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Air France partners with award-winning sommelier Xavier Thuizat for new wine list

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In an exciting development for business travellers, Air France has announced that Xavier Thuizat, the esteemed Head Sommelier at Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, will be curating the airline’s future wine, Champagne and spirits selection across all travel cabins and lounges at its Paris airports.

Thuizat, born in Burgundy, will also be introducing a new range of French beers to the selection.

Xavier Thuizat’s impressive credentials include being named Meilleur Sommelier de France in 2022, Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2023 and receiving the Michelin Guide’s Grand Prix de la Sommellerie in 2024.

Known for his discerning palate and exceptional wine selections, Thuizat will collaborate with Air France to conduct blind tastings across France’s renowned wine regions, ensuring passengers enjoy only the finest wines on board or while unwinding in the lounge.

Xavier Thuizat: Originally from the Burgundy wine-growing region, and having worked at prestigious gastronomic establishments such as Relais Bernard Loiseau, Le Meurice, Pierre Gagnaire and the Peninsula, he is now in charge of wine and spirits at the Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel. In 2024, he was awarded the grand Prize for Sommellerie at the Michelin Guide ceremony.

Passengers can look forward to an array of exquisite French wines from prestigious regions such as Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, the Loire Valley and Alsace.

This new wine list, personally signed by Thuizat, promises to enhance the culinary experience of Air France travellers, making the choice of wine a memorable highlight of their journey.

Taking over from Paolo Basso, the world’s best sommelier in 2013, Thuizat aims to continue the tradition of excellence established over the past decade. Basso has been instrumental in offering Air France customers an elite selection of wines and champagnes since 2014.

Fabien Pelous, Air France’s SVP Customer Experience, expressed his gratitude and excitement, stating,

I would like to thank Paolo Basso, who for ten years has been committed to promoting the finest wines from France’s vineyards for all our customers, in our lounges and on board our aircraft. I am delighted to welcome Xavier Thuizat who, I am sure, will continue in this role with just as much talent and passion.

In all its travel cabins, including Economy, and in its airport lounges, Air France is committed to offering a diverse range of fine wines, Champagnes and spirits that celebrate the rich heritage of French vineyards and châteaux.

The airline serves over a million bottles of Champagne and more than 8 million bottles of wine annually, underscoring its dedication to providing a premium in-flight experience.

For UK-based business travellers, this partnership signifies an opportunity to enjoy a curated selection of world-class wines while travelling with Air France.

For further information about Air France flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

easyJet expands UK presence with new base at London Southend Airport

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easyJet is set to bolster its presence in the United Kingdom with the opening of its 10th UK base at London Southend Airport in March next year. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the airline, signalling continued growth within the UK market.

The new base is expected to create approximately 130 direct jobs for pilots and crew, while also supporting numerous indirect employment opportunities. The decision to establish the base underscores easyJet’s commitment to seizing key growth opportunities and meeting the evolving needs of its customers across its extensive network.

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion, stating,

We are delighted to be announcing another three-aircraft base in the UK, at London Southend Airport. This will create hundreds of jobs and provide more choice for consumers with new routes and package holidays.

London Southend Airport CEO, John Upton, echoed Lundgren’s sentiments. He said,

We’re thrilled to welcome an easyJet base to London Southend, supporting and creating hundreds of jobs locally as well as convenient, new and returning connections to many popular leisure and city destinations. This move is indicative of the demand from people in the east of London, Essex and the wider East Anglia region who now have greater opportunities to choose to travel through our well connected, quick and easy airport.

easyJet passengers will start their [journey] sooner at London Southend as they relax and discover our award-winning terminal experience. Our dedicated on-site rail station is less than one hour from central London; only 43 minutes from Stratford, with connections to the Elizabeth Line; and only 100 paces from the terminal door.

The strategic positioning of the new base further strengthens easyJet’s network, positioning the airline as the preferred carrier for UK consumers. With 56% of all easyJet passengers flying to and from UK airports, this expansion aligns with the airline’s aim to cater to the growing demand for travel among UK travellers.

Already serving international routes from London Southend to popular destinations such as Amsterdam, Geneva, and Malaga, easyJet’s planned addition of more aircraft will facilitate the launch of six new routes, including destinations like Pisa, Gran Canaria, and Marrakech.

Moreover, easyJet holidays will soon be available from London Southend, providing travellers with convenient package holiday options. Departures are scheduled from 1 May 2025, with flights set to go on sale in the coming months.

Commenting on the expansion, Lundgren emphasised easyJet’s commitment to the UK market, citing the airline’s trusted brand, extensive network, and competitive fares as key factors driving customer choice.

For travellers seeking further information on easyJet’s expanded services contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Emirates takes flight with sustainable aviation fuel at London Heathrow

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Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, has embarked on a significant step towards sustainability by embracing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to power some of its flights departing from London Heathrow Airport. This marks the first time Emirates will be utilising SAF at Heathrow, underscoring its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a more sustainable aviation industry.

Under the collaboration with Shell Aviation, Emirates has taken delivery of over 3,000 metric tonnes of SAF blended with conventional jet fuel at Heathrow. This substantial volume of SAF, to be supplied until the end of summer 2024, represents the largest purchase of SAF by the airline to date. Emirates’ participation in Heathrow’s SAF Incentive Programme ensures the affordability and accessibility of SAF for airlines operating at the airport.

Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer of Emirates Airline, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm for this significant milestone, stating,

Emirates is eager to take this next step in our SAF journey with Shell Aviation and London Heathrow supporting us with this fuel supply arrangement in one of our biggest operations outside of Dubai.

The SAF supplied by Shell Aviation will be integrated into existing airport fuelling infrastructure and aircraft jet engines, adhering to robust reporting methodologies to track and trace its delivery and sustainability attributes. Notably, SAF, in its neat form, has the potential to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.

Raman Ojha, President of Shell Aviation, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating,

After our successful collaboration with Emirates to supply SAF to Dubai (DXB) last year, we are pleased to continue our support for their sustainability journey by enabling the airline to decarbonise flights out of the UK.

London Heathrow’s SAF Incentive Programme, launched in 2022, aims to reduce the premium price gap between conventional jet fuel and SAF by approximately 50%, thus accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels. Ross Baker, Chief Commercial Officer of Heathrow, emphasised the importance of SAF in decarbonising long-haul flights and expressed optimism about supporting the use of up to 155,000 tonnes of SAF at Heathrow this year.

Emirates’ SAF strategy extends beyond Heathrow, with the airline exploring opportunities to utilise SAF wherever available in its network and collaborating on longer-term SAF projects. The airline has already operated flights with SAF from Amsterdam, Paris, Lyon, and Oslo, and plans further collaborations at airports such as Singapore Changi.

Emirates’ commitment to sustainability also extends to its involvement in initiatives like the Solent Cluster in the UK, which focuses on low-carbon investments and aims to establish a Sustainable Aviation Fuel plant capable of producing up to 200,000 tonnes per year by 2032.

For UK-based business travellers interested in exploring sustainable travel options or learning more about Emirates’ flights, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Notes for Editors:Incorporate direct quotes from Adel Al Redha, Raman Ojha, and Ross Baker.

Dave

Iconic Waldorf Astoria New York announces partnership with chef Michael Anthony

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Waldorf Astoria New York has announced an exciting culinary collaboration with renowned chef Michael Anthony, an iconic figure in New York City’s dining scene.

As Chef Partner, Anthony will spearhead a new era of culinary excellence at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ flagship property, set to reopen later this year.

Situated at the bustling corner of Lexington and 50th Street, Waldorf Astoria New York’s forthcoming two-story American Brasserie-style restaurant is poised to captivate both the local community and global guests.

Boasting a bar on the first floor and dining spaces spread across both levels, the signature restaurant promises to be a premier destination for discerning diners.

Expectations run high as Michael Anthony brings his signature blend of warm hospitality and innovative culinary vision to Waldorf Astoria New York. With a focus on farm-to-table experiences and elevated seasonal dining, Anthony aims to celebrate American culinary traditions while incorporating local and regional ingredients.

Drawing from his illustrious tenure at the internationally acclaimed Gramercy Tavern, where he earned accolades such as multiple James Beard Awards, including Outstanding Chef and Best Chef: New York City, Anthony’s expertise is highly anticipated. His commitment to sustainability and community engagement, exemplified by his involvement with organisations like God’s Love We Deliver, adds an extra layer of significance to this partnership.

Chef Michael Anthony said,

Partnering with the Waldorf Astoria New York team is a landmark moment in my career. This role allows me to develop a distinct concept and program that is unique to one of the world’s most timeless hotels and one of the city’s most anticipated reopenings.

Chef Michael Anthony’s culinary journey began in Tokyo under the tutelage of Shizuyo Shima, followed by training in France at L’Ecole Ferrandi, Paris. His extensive experience in renowned kitchens, including Restaurant Daniel in New York, culminated in his role as Chef Partner at Gramercy Tavern.

Luigi Romaniello, Managing Director of Waldorf Astoria New York, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating,

Since opening its doors in 1931, Waldorf Astoria New York has been a cornerstone of New York City society, and there is no better chef to lead us into our next chapter than chef Michael Anthony.

Waldorf Astoria New York, located at 301 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022, is poised to redefine luxury dining under Anthony’s guidance.

For further information or to make bookings at Waldorf Astoria New York, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.