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A ROYAL APPOINTMENT: CHEF MARC HARDIMAN TO REBRAND BULL & BEAR RESTAURANT IN DIFC
Having prepared lunch for Queen Elizabeth II and maintained MICHELIN stars, new Chef Patron Hardiman to oversee story-led restaurant revamp at Waldorf Astoria DIFC
Magical new menu to offer three tasting journeys, inspired by childhood memories and local ingredients, with option for an innovative, personalised dining experience
Dubai, UAE; October 30, 2024: Bull & Bear, the famous art-deco fine-dining restaurant located in the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, has appointed illustrious British chef Marc Hardiman to lead a culinary rebrand that will see the venue pivot to focus on European cuisine with international influence. Hardiman, who previously prepared Christmas lunch for the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal household at Buckingham Palace, has been assigned the role of Chef Patron.
At the rebranded Bull & Bear by Marc Hardiman, a magical new culinary chapter unfolds on November 15 with the launch of a three specially curated menus in which each dish represents a canvas for Hardiman’s personal narrative: Stories of his childhood, the warmth of family traditions, and his journey through food. Crafted with innovation and care, the storied dining experience is primarily dairy-free – a reflection of Hardiman’s own experience with lactose intolerance, a personal challenge that he transformed into his signature strength.
Through his narrative lens, the Englishman reimagines familiar flavours with a delicate, artistic touch, creating a dining experience whereby each bite unfolds a tale crafted from memory, passion, and culinary expertise. Renowned for his produce-driven, zero-waste approach to cuisine, Hardiman’s fresh new dishes include:
- The Humble Potato. Once considered a humble crop, it is a dish that evokes memories of the chef’s modest childhood and a staple plate that was always on the table at family dinners.
- The Crab Sandwich tells a story of sustainability that honours the whole crab, from claw to shell. Every morsel is used to make the rich sauce, helping create magic in every bite.
- Chicken Wing Loaded with Black Truffle. A twist on a family classic and his grandmother’s go-to for a Sunday roast dinner, the dish pays homage to family traditions and is served with love.
- After Eight Mint. Synonymous with sophistication and celebration, this dish will transport diners to holiday gatherings, combining decadent chocolate with a cool minty filling.
Additional menu items include Dibba Bay Oyster Cooked in the Coals, Yuzu Kosho, Citrus Ponzu and N25 Caviar, and a Nitro Amalfi Lemon Sorbet, all of which are designed to captivate both the palate and the eye, while epitomising Hardiman as a chef that creates flavourful, innovative dishes.
For Bull & Bear regulars in search of a steak that transcends the ordinary, each cut is now hand-selected by the chef. Guests can indulge in a selection of the finest steaks, including tenderloin, ribeye, picanha, tomahawk, and chateaubriand, each promising an enchanting culinary journey.
The three new menus will follow different formats. The Omnivore Menu celebrates the balance between meat, seafood, and plant-based dishes, with options for a six-course tasting menu for AED 495 or a more indulgent 10-course dinner for AED 750. This menu showcases the beauty of versatility, offering something for everyone who appreciates a rarefied culinary adventure.
The Herbivore Menu is testament to Hardiman’s dedication to plant-based innovation. Available as a six-course tasting menu for AED 425 or a 10-course dinner for AED 650, it elevates vegetables to the spotlight, treating them with the same care and creativity as the finest cuts of meat. Every dish is crafted with bold flavours and sustainable ingredients, offering a modern dining experience for those who appreciate plant-based cuisine at its most refined.
For those seeking a bespoke dining experience, the Explore Menu offers the ultimate personalised journey. Guests are invited to collaborate exclusively with the chefs to craft their own narrative, selecting from a collection of signature dishes that reflect their preferences and tastes. Whether opting for three courses for AED 295, six for AED 525, nine for AED 725, or the full 17-course experience for AED 1200, guests can curate a dining experience tailored specifically to their tastes.
In addition to the menu options, Bull & Bear by Marc Hardiman offers lunch packages every weekday from 12pm to 3pm. Guests can choose from three dishes for AED 150, five for AED 250, or seven for AED 350.
Hardiman, whose career spans two decades, arrives from London, where he spent the past four years as Executive Chef at the iconic fine-dining establishment Galvin at Windows and 10 Degrees Sky Bar at London Hilton on Park Lane. Prior to this, he served as Senior Sous Chef at the MICHELIN star The Ritz Restaurant in Mayfair, London. Celebrated for his commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, at Bull and Bear by Marc Hardiman he will use homegrown UAE produce and berries from smart farms across the region.
“I’m very excited about my new journey as Chef Patron at Bull & Bear by Marc Hardiman, located within Waldorf Astoria DIFC,” said Hardiman. “My vision is to create a bold, yet nostalgic menu that resonates with my childhood and still reflects a little of Dubai’s diversity and heritage. The rebrand will not only see a change in menu, but also a change in culinary direction with the vision of uplifting the entire experience. I’m confident that both loyal customers and new visitors are going to love it.”
For further information about the rebrand, to reserve your place, or further information about initiatives happening within the hotel itself, please contact bullandbear@waldorfastoria.com.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising nearly 7,800 properties and more than 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 195 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of 35 iconic properties that create a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to sincerely elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences and culinary mastery in landmark destinations around the world. Inspired by their timeless environments, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience seamlessly, creating a true sense of place for guests through stunning architecture, the famous Peacock Alley, refined art collections, Michelin-starred dining and elevated in-room amenities. In addition to the brand’s world-class hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a global residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on Xand Instagram.
