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.

Joo Won

Head Chef Joo Won hails from Busan, South Korea. At University Joo studied industrial engineering but soon realised this was not the path for him. To discover what his true passion was, Joo started taking courses and it wasn’t until a pastry class sparked his interest that he truly fell in love.

After a course in Korean cuisine, Joo left Korea in 2000 and studied hospitality management at Schiller International University in London and Switzerland. After he graduated he went to study cooking at the highest level at the Le Cordon Bleu in Marylebone. This took him to the Orrey, and was Joo’s first Michelin starred experience. Joo left in 2006 to be part of the launch team of Galvin at Windows and in 2013 he became Head Chef – an achievement he is immensely proud of.

Outside of Galvin at Windows, Joo is devoted husband and on days off likes to experience other restaurants, catch up on the latest box sets and try London’s latest cocktail bars.

Gilles Louis

A dedicated and incisive leader, Assistant General Manger Gilles brings nearly two decades of top-flight hospitality experience to Galvin at Windows. Training initially in his native Belgium, his career soon went international and he adds to the globalist outlook of the senior team. As well as fierce pride in his work and exceptional eye for detail, Gilles balances an exacting eye with a supportive and inclusive management style.

London is now home and as a husband and new father, Gilles has a particular eye for making families welcome and completely at home in the elegant surroundings of Galvin at Windows.

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.

Andrea-Letovancova-Reservation-Manager-Galvin-at-Windows-1024x593