Savoy appoints F&B director
London’s The Savoy hotel has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Nicolas Schell as director of food and beverage.
In his role, Schell will oversee all food and beverage operations at the luxury hotel, including all-day dining restaurant Gallery, as well as the venue’s two luxury bars: the American Bar, and the Beaufort Bar.
He will also oversee the hotel’s in-room dining services, and The Savoy’s dedicated scone shop, Banqueting and Scoff.
Schell will work closely with partners including Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, which operates the Savoy Grill, the River Restaurant, and Restaurant 1890 at the property.
The appointment reunites Schell with Franck Arnold, managing director of The Savoy, with whom he previously worked at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.
Originally from Geneva, Switzerland, Schell’s experience also spans hotel brands such as Rocco Forte, and a longstanding role at Moët Hennessy, where he rose from channel sales manager to head of London trade sales over eight years.
On his new role, Schell said: “It is an honour to join The Savoy and to be part of a hotel with such an extraordinary heritage, shaped by iconic figures like the legendary César Ritz and Auguste Escoffier.
“London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, incomparable in its energy and diversity, and I am excited to contribute to its dynamic dining scene, honouring The Savoy’s legacy while helping shape its future.”
In his role, Schell will develop new concepts while nurturing the hotel’s world-class team to ensure The Savoy remains ‘at the forefront of London’s dining scene’.
The American Bar recently saw the departure of its head bartender, Angelo Sparvoli, who left his post after just under two years.
Sparvoli took over the role at the American Bar from Chelsie Bailey, who served from 2022 to 2024. Prior to this, Shannon Tebay held the role for just under a year, while Maxim Schulte left after fewer than two years.
Markus Basset is currently guiding the bar in his role as head of bars at The Savoy.
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