Massimiliano Blasone (Executive Chef) and Karl Kessab (General Manager)
With a commitment to offer an international food approach, One Kensington has appointed Massimiliano Blasone as Executive Chef. Previously of Nikita Malibu and Apsleys at The Lanesborough, this renowned culinary talent will showcase his passion and experience in a relaxed and informal style.
Blasone is renowned for his technical cuisine that combines German precision with seasonal flavours from around the world, all presented with creative modern flair. He utilises cooking techniques learned in various countries to enhance traditional skills used to create the classical dishes of France, Italy, Germany and the United States with attention to the smallest detail to ensure a perfect balance of flavour and texture.
His culinary career began at the age of 15, gaining kitchen experience during school holidays before following his passion and excelling at catering school. After starting out as a pastry chef, he embarked upon an impressive 12 year roster of experience with Heinz Beck at some of the world’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants, including La Pergola at Hilton Cavalieri in Rome; three-starred Residenz Heinz Winkler, Ashau in Germany; Valentino in Napa Valley and Castello Banfi Il Ristorante in Montalcino in Italy.
Blasone’s partnership with Heinz Beck culminated at Apsleys at London’s Lanesborough Hotel which became the fastest London restaurant to be awarded its first Michelin star, earning the accolade within only five months.
General Manager Karl Kessab
Leading the front of house is General Manager Karl Kessab, who arrives at One Kensington after overseeing the launch along with Chef Massimiliano of beach front restaurant Nikita Malibu in California. Prior to this, they both resided at The Lanesborough, and this proven partnership will deliver a seamless customer experience.
With an impressive résumé that includes positions at some of the world’s leading luxury hotels and restaurants, Karl has enjoyed over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. He arrives at One Kensington from Nikita Malibu in California where he was in charge of the launch of a beach front restaurant, owned by Larry Ellison.
Other roles have included Food & Beverage Operations Manager at The Lanesborough in London, where he oversaw the refurbishment of the multi award-winning Garden Room. It was also here that Kessab had the distinction of being awarded the title of the world’s first ever tea sommelier. During his time the hotel won several “top afternoon tea” awards, including Best Afternoon Tea from the British Tea Guild.
Sanjay Gour, Executive Pastry Chef
One Kensington are also delighted to announce the appointment of Sanjay Gour, formerly of The Royal Opera House and Murano, as Executive Pastry Chef.
Gour joins the One Kensington brigade from the Royal Opera House where he worked alongside consultant Claire Clark, former pastry chef at Thomas Keller’s three Michelin-starred restaurant The French Laundry in California. Previously Sanjay held senior positions within the opening teams of London’s five-star Corinthia Hotel and Angela Hartnett’s Mayfair restaurant Murano.
About One Kensington
One Kensington is splendidly housed in a Grade II listed, late Gothic revival Victorian building (built in 1885 for the London and County Bank to designs by architect Alfred Williams). The award-winning B3 Designers have put their own distinctive mark on the interiors, at the same time making full use of original architectural features such as the high carved vaulted ceilings, double height windows and expansive wood panelling.
One Kensington, 1 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5NP
Tamarind Collection
The Tamarind Collection owns and operates three restaurants, 2 in London and 1 in California along with a division of Tamarind Events Catering. The group was established in 1995 with the opening of Tamarind restaurant in Mayfair, which was the first fine dining Indian restaurant in the world to receive a Michelin star.
The second restaurant in the group that marked further expansion was Imli in Soho, London (2005). In February 2013 Imli was re-branded Imli Street and now offers Indian street food served in a chic and stylish Soho environment.
One Kensington will be the group’s third London restaurant.