Frenchie Covent Garden by Gregory Marchand has just appointed a new General Manager, Cyril Baligand.
Having studied Catering, Hotel and Restaurant Management at CIFA Jean Lameloise in France, Baligand began his career within the hospitality industry serving in hotels and restaurants in central France.
Baligand moved to the UK in 2007 where he joined Pearl, Chancery Court Hotel’s fine dining restaurant as Head Waiter. He demonstrated exceptional talent and customer service which resulted in him being a regional finalist in the 2011 Young Waiter of the Year Competition.
In 2012, Baligand joined Lutyens, the Prescott & Conran venue on Fleet Street as Assistant Manager, overseeing a team of 25 front of house staff across two restaurants and bars. He was promoted several times whilst at Lutyens, becoming Acting General Manager (for a few months) and then Private Club & Private Dining Manager. In this role, Baligand exclusively managed the four private dining rooms and an all-day dining members club.
Following this, in 2015, Baligand opened the French/Mediterranean restaurant, The Ninth alongside Japanese-British TV chef, Jun Tanaka. Within 10 months of opening, the critically acclaimed restaurant had been awarded 1 Michelin star and 3 Rosettes.
Baligand commented on his appointment, 'It is a real honour to be managing Frenchie Covent Garden through its next phase of development.
'It is a remarkable restaurant in London and an amazing, established company with locations in London and Paris. I am proud to be part of such a beautiful family.”