This week Dion Jones, the first ever Briton to win the prestigious International Escoffier Challenge, has joined Cheshire-based Nelson Hotels as Head Chef of their newest venue, the Palm Court Restaurant, Bar & Piano Lounge, set to open this Summer.

Dion, from Valley on Anglesey, kickstarted his career working in his mother’s cafe which is when he first realised his love for cooking. From there he went to Coleg Menai Bangor to complete 3 years training after which he went on to work for several prestigious Cheshire hotels and restaurants including Carden Park, Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa (previous to this current position) Earle by Simon Rimmer and Crewe Hall.

Dion was extremely proud to cook for members of the Royal family with the Welsh National Culinary Team and has many other outstanding achievements and awards including British Escoffier Champion 2011, captained the Junior Welsh National Culinary Team and won silver at the Culinary Olympics 2012, Roux Scholarship finalist and runner up in 2013 and most recently in 2018 Welsh National Chef runner up.

Speaking of his new appointment Dion said

“I am thrilled to return to Nelson Hotels. Having previously worked for Nelson Hotels at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa and for the launch of the Fishpool Inn, being selected to lead the team at their newest venue is an honour and a privilege. I’m looking forward to working with the award-winning team, and delivering delicious cuisine to all the guests of Palm Court Restaurant, Bar & Piano Lounge.”

Nelson Hotels Company Executive Chef Paul Prescott comments

“we’re delighted to welcome this talented chef back to the Nelson Hotels team. Appointing Dion demonstrates the importance we place on recruiting the best people the industry has to offer, so in turn we can offer the best customer experience. The Palm Court Restaurant, Bar & Piano Lounge will offer quality product, cooked simply and served with the utmost attention to detail. Dion is going to be a key part of that offering”.

Palm Court Restaurant, Bar & Piano Lounge is due to launch this summer.

Contact Sheila or Kayleigh at Three Little Birds PR for more information Tel: 01606 834 620.