About

Meet

THE TEAM

Peter Avis

General Manager Peter Avis brings over 20 years experience to Galvin at Windows. His portfolio features Virgin Group, Babylon Restaurant and Bar, and The Roof Gardens in Kensington. Alongside this, Peter has helped to launch several hotels and restaurants, including overseeing the culinary direction of Sir Richard Branson’s British Virgin Islands, Necker and Moskito. He managed the launch of Mont Rochelle restaurant in Cape Town and Mahali Mzuri in Kenya.

Born and raised in Liverpool, Peter’s accolades speak for themselves and include: being appointed Chairman of the UK Guild of Restaurant Services in 2010, achieving the coveted Manager of the Year at the Catey Awards in 2014, and winning UK Restaurant Manager of the Year in 2009.

Marc Hardiman

Head Chef Marc Hardiman hails from The Ritz following his role as Senior Sous Chef. After 10 years working across some of the best kitchens in the UK and Australia, Marc’s ambition remains the same – inspiring guests with a next level dining experience. Through constant experimentation and innovation, Marc’s menus remain exciting and at the cutting edge of modern cuisine.

With over 10 years’ senior level experience working at multi Rosette and Michelin star establishments in the UK and Australia, Marc is delighted to be taking the helm of the Galvin at Windows kitchen: “This is a really exciting move for me, joining Chris and his team at such a pivotal moment in our industry. I am all about championing quality sustainable seasonal produce. Our re-opening menu is inspired by the incredible ingredients found in the great British larder as well as my travels, designed to deliver maximum flavour and hopefully nothing but true satisfaction and happiness for customers.”

Antonino Forte

A leader with a passion for extraordinary service, Restaurant Manager Antonino has the natural drive and easy-going charm to allow guests to truly relax in his presence, safe in the knowledge that their experience will be exceptional.

Skilled in all aspects of food and drink service, Antonino joined the team as Assistant Head Sommelier in early 2012, a position earned through long and exceptional experience at levels sufficient to win a place in the semi-final of Moet Chandon’s Sommelier of the Year competition, as well as top placing in a string of gastronomic and service competitions including the coveted Maitre D’ of the Year in his native Italy.

Rudina Arapi

As Head Sommelier, Rudina has been the last word on wine at Galvin at Windows since joining us in 2012 and her superb taste and acumen give shape and form to the extensive range of wines we keep for both the restaurant and bar.

From the most seemingly-humble table wine through to famous vintages of the storied houses, Rudina’s knowledge and experience means she can effortlessly select the right bottle for any occasion or menu item. Trained initially in Florence (no sommelier ever stops learning) Rudina advanced swiftly in a profession crowded with talent through not just her skills and knowledge but also her bright, warm personality and intuitive understanding of hospitality, honed at some of Italy’s finest wine bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. Choosing your own wine from a well-stocked list is a joy, but if you ever feel the need for inspiration, you will never be disappointed with Rudina’s recommendation.

Andrea Letovancova

Andrea Letovancova is the Reception & Events Manager at Galvin at Windows. Responsible for a team of ten, Andrea deploys her considerable experience and charm to ensure that our guests’ experience before, during and after their visit is seamless.

Andrea holds a Masters in Economics, Tourism & Hospitality and in her spare time enjoys shopping, traveling around the world and in winter skiing.