Michael McDaid and Aldo Zilli join The Royal Bell

The Royal Bell in Bromley has announced the appointments of Michael McDaid as its new executive head chef and Aldo Zilli as chef.

McDaid’s career spans over 25 years and includes roles at Seabird at The Hoxton, Galvin at Windows, Maze, BAFTA, The Spotted Pig, New York and The Princess Royal.

Zilli has joined the team as the chef for The Royal Bell’s upcoming Aldo’s Pizza and Zilli Caffé ventures.

McDaid said: “What drew me to the industry then is still what drives me now. The buzz of the kitchen, the anticipation of service, the way it brings people from all walks of life together – it’s like a world of its own and I love that.

“I wanted to be part of The Royal Bell because of the people behind its revival. Spend just an hour with them and you can see it in their faces, hear it in their voices – what this place means. It’s rare to find that level of genuine care and I want to bring everything I’ve learned over the past 24 years to help make The Royal Bell the place to be.”

He added: “We’re so lucky in the UK to have access to world-class ingredients year-round. I want to bring that to the table food that’s humble but done to the highest standard. Think classic flavours, great produce, nothing showy, just honest food, done properly. And with British weather often giving us all four seasons in one day, why not have a menu that celebrates them all?”

Originally built in 1666 The Royal Bell was rebuilt in 1898 and granted its royal status after hosting Queen Victoria’s coach service.

Now under the stewardship of The Belle Collective it reopens as a members’ club, boutique hotel, and social hub.