Evolution: Angler’s Craig Johnston, left, with Evolv CEO Martin Williams and Pierre Minotti (right) (Evolv)
The chef Pierre Minotti, best known as the executive chef at two-star Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, is to join Marylebone’s Orrery as the restaurant’s parent company Evolv pursues higher standard of fine-dining across its group.
Minotti spent 10 years cooking with Dilling, and the pair achieved two Michelin stars in London within four months of opening. His experience includes other stints at multi-starred palaces, including Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.
Orrery is currently closed for a substantial refurbishment, but will reopen in April. The restaurant, which does not currently have Michelin recognition, held one star between 2000 and 2008, and Evolv CEO Martin Williams is keen for it to win a star again. The star was won previously by Chris Galvin.
“I’m incredibly excited to bring my vision to life at Orrery,” said Minotti of the announcement. “This is an opportunity to create something truly special, a fine dining restaurant with Michelin-star ambitions, but with a distinctly different atmosphere than traditional haute cuisine establishments.
“I want to create a place where people feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying exceptional food prepared with the very best ingredients.”
“Pierre’s appointment represents our commitment to excellence and our ambition to elevate every restaurant in our collection to new heights,” said Williams. “His exceptional talent, innovative approach and mastery of French haute cuisine make him the perfect chef to lead Orrery’s transformation and our pursuit of Michelin recognition.”
Minotti’s appointment comes as Evolv pursues considerable growth. The group, formerly D&D and before that The Conran Group, presently has 30 venues, but is looking to expand to 100 globally. Other restaurants Evolv operate include Quaglino’s and the new Liverpool Street Chop House, as well as Angler, which has held a star for 13 years. Angler has Craig Johnston, who recently became the only chef in Britain to hold both The Roux Scholarship and a MasterChef: The Professionals title.
“Retaining our Michelin star year after year is an incredible achievement,” said Johnston of last night’s Michelin awards. “It’s the result of relentless passion, precise execution, and the commitment of every single person in this kitchen and front-of-house. To keep Angler’s star shining for over a decade makes me truly proud.”
Orrery will reopen in April 2026 at 55 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5RB, orrery-restaurant.co.uk
Dining and Cooking