Gareth Stewart to lead new InterContinental Hotel Auckland culinary journey –
InterContinental Auckland has announced internationally renowned chef, Gareth Stewart is officially on board as its partner chef.
Gareth plans to elevate the culinary direction for the new luxury hotel’s signature restaurant, which is expected to launch in late 2023. His culinary influence will also extend to the hotel’s hallmark Club InterContinental lounge, and the in-room dining experience.
Details of the restaurant are still under development with Gareth taking the lead on creating the restaurant concept, name, food and beverage menus, to the finer elements of tableware, crockery and glassware.
He will set the tone and style for the venue and make regular appearances in the kitchen. Recruitment is the underway for an Executive Chef and kitchen team to bring Gareth’s gastronomic concept to fruition.
Former co-host of New Zealand’s My Kitchen Rules and former executive chef of Foley Hospitality’s 11 restaurants and bars (previously Nourish Group) is now running his own business and is excited to be putting his stamp on the new InterContinental Auckland hotel.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be collaborating with the world’s largest international luxury hotel brand and make my mark on InterContinental Auckland. I started my culinary career in hotels working at The Queens Hotel in Portsmouth, so it’s great to come full circle and land at this highly anticipated hotel opening on 1 Queen Street. It’s an exciting challenge to work with a blank canvas and build a restaurant and kitchen team from the ground up. I can’t wait to welcome and delight diners when the doors open to InterContinental Auckland later this year,” said Gareth.
General Manager of InterContinental Auckland, Ryan South said, “We’re thrilled to have Gareth join us and shape the culinary direction for the hotel’s signature food and beverage experiences. Gareth’s passion for delicious food, his expertise working in prestigious hotel kitchens and leading some of Auckland’s most lauded restaurants encompasses all the ingredients we were looking for in a chef partner to help us launch InterContinental Auckland. We look forward to revealing more of what Gareth is cooking up to complement our luxury accommodation offering.”
The new InterContinental Auckland will enjoy an unrivaled location and halo address on 1 Queen Street on Auckland’s waterfront, completing the $1 billion Commercial Bay lifestyle precinct, home to the city’s newest high-end office, retail, social and dining destination.
InterContinental Auckland will present 139 luxurious guest rooms and suites, featuring the most water views, including Club rooms with access to the brand’s signature Club InterContinental lounge for those seeking exclusivity. The hotel will also feature a gymnasium. The precinct will offer additional elevated experiences available for guests, including meeting and event spaces as well as a rooftop bar on level 21 boasting panoramic views of the city and Waitematā Harbour.
Once open, the new Auckland address will complement InterContinental Wellington, and add to IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury credentials across the globe with 211 open InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties and more than 93 in the pipeline.
As the world’s first and largest international luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts introduces world-class restaurants and bars throughout the portfolio. From Michelin-starred chefs to up-and-coming talents, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts represent the best of international and local culinary expertise.
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has been pioneering luxury travel in new destinations and established luxury locations for more than 75 years.
To apply for available positions at InterContinental Auckland, visit IHG careers at careers.ihg.com/ and for more on the new hotel, visit www.intercontinental.com/auckland.