London Southend Airport Holiday Inn on track for July 2012 opening

May 2012

Restaurant name and Head Chef revealed

The stunning rooftop restaurant and bar at the new 4-star Holiday Inn Southend will be called the 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar; a reference to the year that airport opened as a municipal airport for the public.

The hotel’s General Manager Steve Brazil says: “We were looking to reflect the heritage of the airport in various ways throughout the hotel and this is the first of several homages we will be making to the towns’ aviation history.”

The striking, fully sound-proofed venue atop the five-storey 4-star hotel is a first for Holiday Inn in the UK. Guests will be able to enjoy breath-taking views of the airport and surrounding countryside whilst enjoying drinks dinner. The 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar has seventy covers and boasts a private dining room for ten and will be open for breakfast, dinner and Sunday lunch.

Its Head Chef will be Kieran Moore, whom brings both Michelin and international experience to Southend. As the UK celebrates the 2012 Olympics, Kieran himself has five gold medals and five silver medals which he has won over the years at the culinary Olympics.

The 49-year old father of three from Benfleet started his career at the legendary Eccentric Club (established 1890 in St James’, London) as a teenager. From there he worked at The Savoy for five years, before completing his training under Marcos Pierre White at the Michelin-starred Harvey’s for a further two years. Leaving his Essex roots, Kieran cooked all over the world including the USA, Australia, Middle East , Asia and a key member of the team opening all seven restaurants at Disneyland Paris. Returning to the UK, Kieran worked at the Merchant Tailor’s Hall in London and Lords Cricket Ground. He has also been in partnership with the world-renowned Raymond Blanc and established the Diamond Club at Arsenals’ Emirates Stadium - despite being a West Ham fan!

Kieran says: “I am absolutely delighted to be taking up the role of Head Chef at the new London Southend Airport Holiday Inn – it’s really exciting to bring all the experience I gained from my travels around the globe back home to Essex.”

He describes the 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar menu as Classic British with a contemporary twist – highlights will include homemade Potted Shrimps and 12-hour Slow Braised Lamb Shoulder. Kieran adds: “I am really looking forward to creating a creative and exciting menu, using as many local, seasonal ingredients from suppliers here in Essex as possible. I am passionate about showcasing what fantastic things the county has to offer in order to create a memorable dining experience full of new textures and flavours. My aim is that the 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar will become a well renowned restaurant, for airport visitors and people across the county.”

The striking 129-bedroom Holiday Inn Southend is the latest addition to the world-famous hotel chain’s portfolio and is set for completion by mid-July 2012 – in time for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.