Big-name chef signs on the dotted line

 

Russell Blaikie has been named as the director of food at the West Australian-based Prendiville Group, which runs hotels and resorts in the west and in Queensland. 

Blaikie joins the hospitality family business in a newly created role. 

After a full immersion into the business, Blaikie will be delivering innovation in food and developing a range of new hospitality concepts.

Blaikie, who closed his lauded Must Wine Bar in December after 19 years  has a history with the Prendiville Group having consulted to them for three years up until 2015.

The awarded chef says there won’t be a cookie-cutter approach to Prendiville Group venues.

“The hospitality provided by the diverse range of venues within the group is about creating a positive social experience, with food and drink at the centre of that,” Blaikie says.

Blaikie says that the biggest asset of the Prendiville Group is its people.

“It’s a WA family business that’s developed over many years and grown through hard work from the ground up with great integrity in business dealings, that’s why I want to work with them,” he says.

“I’m excited about this new role and the challenge it brings.”

Prendiville Group Chairman Peter Prendiville says: “When Russell became available, we started talking and it quickly became apparent that his skills, experience and values are aligned with ours and we’re thrilled to have him part of our management team.”

The Prendiville Group, which owns Sandalford Wines, employ almost 3,000 people.