Concierge Desk: Q&A with Hari Shetty
Head Chef at Nela London
In this month's Concierge Desk, we discuss the importance of creating moments that guests genuinely connect with, why sharing food remains one of life's greatest pleasures, and how communication and training help ensure every guest receives the same level of care from the moment they arrive.
Q: How important is the guest experience to you when you are designing menus?
A: The guest experience is at the heart of everything I do when designing a menu. For me, it is never just about flavour alone. It is about creating something memorable that guests genuinely connect with and enjoy. I spend a great deal of time sourcing exceptional ingredients and thinking carefully about how each dish contributes to the overall experience at Nela London. I always want the menu to feel relevant, exciting and satisfying while remaining true to our live fire philosophy.
Q: What is your favourite way to experience food?
A; My favourite way to experience food is with people I love. I think there is something incredibly special about sharing dishes placed in the centre of the table and enjoying them together. It creates a more interactive and relaxed atmosphere where conversation flows naturally and people connect through the experience. For me, dining is not just about eating. It is about creating memories and moments that people take away with them long after the meal has finished.
Q: How do you ensure that your whole team is able to communicate the same passion for the food at Nela as you have?
A: For me, it comes down to constant communication, training and shared enthusiasm. We invest a lot of time in making sure every member of the team understands not only the dishes themselves but also the story and thinking behind them. We regularly introduce new ideas, whether that is a new dish, cocktail, wine or service concept, which keeps the team inspired and engaged. Our daily briefings before service are also incredibly important because they allow us to align our focus and energy so that every guest experiences the same passion and attention to detail throughout their time at Nela.