The St. Regis London Announces Robert Aikens as Executive Head Chef for 2026 launch

The St. Regis London announces the appointment of Robert Aikens as its Executive Head Chef, in advance of the named chef and restaurant as the hotel prepares to open in mid-2026. Under the leadership of General Manager Marco Novella, the team will bring to life a flagship property for the St. Regis brand—one that blends the cultural richness of London with the brand’s signature traditions of elegance, craftsmanship, and impeccable service.

Photo credits: The St. Regis London

With his upbringing in a small farming village in Norfolk, his mother’s wonderful home cooking and beautiful garden, his father’s wine business exposing him to upscale restaurants of France, Chef Robert Aikens was inspired to pursue a career in the culinary arts. Upon graduating, Robert moved to London to work with the famed Roux brothers for the next three years, including the three-star Michelin-rated restaurant, Le Gavroche.

In 1991, Robert continued his culinary path in the US at former Rockefeller Camp, The Point, and The Lake Placid Lodge, a sister property in the Relais & Chateaux network after which he joined Sanford Weill, CEO of Citigroup as his personal private chef.

In 2002, Robert returned to London to work alongside his twin brother Tom Aikens with the launch of his first restaurant, Tom’s Kitchen and Tom Aikens Restaurant before returning again to the US in 2008 to join the Starr Restaurant Group and then finding himself at the pinnacle of classic New York City fine dining, overseeing the iconic Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Centre as Executive Culinary Director.

After several stints in Mexico City at 3* Pujol and sister restaurant Criollo in Oaxaca, in January 2018, Robert returned to NYC and the Starr Restaurant Group as Executive Culinary Director for the re-opening of one of New York City’s most prolific restaurants, Pastis and as the Executive Head Chef of Veronika on Park Avenue South. During the pandemic, Chef Robert developed a Ghost Kitchen pop up called Ghostburger, which became a firm favourite of Washington elite and food critics alike.

Now, with his return to London, Robert will take on the role of Executive Head Chef in the soon to be announced restaurant at the St Regis London.

General Manager Marco Novella says: “I am honoured to welcome Robert to join the finest team at The St. Regis London as we bring this iconic brand to life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities,” said Novella. “We aim to create a destination that captures the spirit of Mayfair while celebrating the timeless elegance for which St. Regis is renowned.”