Fred Sirieix, the maitre d’ who found fame on Channel 4’s First Dates, is to leave his role as general manager at London restaurant Galvin at Windows.
The French-born front of house professional announced his departure from the Hyde Park restaurant in an Instagram post this weekend, revealing in the caption that “the time [had] come to say goodbye to all my friends and colleagues after an incredible 14 years journey [at Galvin at Windows]”.
Sirieix added “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me over the years and helped us create amazing experiences and deliver excellence to all our wonderful guests on the 28th floor [at London Hilton on Park Lane]”.
Sirieix had worked at the skyline-skimming restaurant since its opening in 2006, having previously held positions at Pierre Koffman’s La Tante Claire, Sartoria and Le Gavroche.
He made his debut as the maitre d’ of the “First Dates restaurant” in 2013 – which London foodies will recognise as Paternoster Chop House in St Paul’s – and has since gone on to front a number of restaurant-centric television programmes including The Art of Service, My Million Pound Menu, Michel Roux’s Service, Snackmasters and the Road Trip series with Gordon Ramsay and Gino D’Acampo.
Galvin at Windows, which is run by brothers Jeff and Chris Galvin, had held a Michelin star until losing the accolade in this year’s guide.
Sirieix ended his Instagram post caption by saying that he was “now onto another adventure.... 2020 here I come”.
