Fine-dining Indian restaurant, Benares has appointed Harsh Joshi as General Manager of its London restaurant on Mayfair’s Berkeley Square.
Due to the current pandemic, Joshi is spearheading the restaurant’s new delivery service, Benares@Home, whilst co-ordinating a campaign aimed at delivering hundreds of freshly prepared, hot meals every week to the NHS.
With over 20 years’ experience, Joshi will be responsible for the 65-strong team and the smooth running of all aspects of the restaurant and bar, including events in the four private dining rooms, and working closely with Executive Chef Sameer Taneja on menu development.
Joshi first worked at Benares in 2003 as Restaurant Manager, rising through the ranks to Deputy General Manager before leaving in 2007 to join The Ritz London, as Private Dining Manager. Following this, he worked as Operations Manager at JQ Marriot Marquis in Dubai.
In 2017, Joshi returned to London and joined The Cinnamon Collection and launched Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea before re-joining the team at Benares.
Robert Wauters, Operations Director, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Harsh back to our Benares family. His extensive experience in some of the city’s most prolific restaurants and hotels will bring fresh perspective and expertise.
'He is already proving invaluable in supporting us in our efforts to feed as many NHS workers as possible, whilst helping us pivot the business with our new home delivery service Benares@Home.”
Joshi said, “I am thrilled to be returning to Benares after all these years and honoured to lead such an amazing team. Although the restaurant is currently closed due to the COVID-19 crisis, we have managed to adapt our business model with Benares@Home, delivering everything from samosas to biryanis seven days a week.
'We are also regularly donating hot meals to NHS staff working in hospitals and clinics in our local area, to thank them for their hard work on the frontline.
“The delivery service was a challenge at first, but customer interest has been very strong and orders are coming through at a encouraging rate.”