Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels, Brussels' newest five-star hotel announces its star chefs

The much-anticipated Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels, Brussels' newest five-star hotel to open its doors later this year, unveils its star chefs who will set the culinary standard. After eight years of restoration, the former Astoria Palace, currently in its final renovation phase, will be renamed Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels after the summer, or 'Brussels' Most Fabulous Address'.

This luxurious hotel promises not only a gourmet culinary feast, with brasserie 'Le Petit bon bon' and gourmet restaurant 'Palais Royal', each headed by a Belgian star chef, but also a total indulgence for all the senses. With its own cocktail bar 'Under The Stairs' by Hannah Van Ongevalle, the exclusive Corinthia Spa by Sisley, the Paul Tucker Gym and a select multi-brand retail concept, this hotel suggests an experience that will enchant both Brussels residents and visitors from all over the world. This five-star hotel will not only offer luxurious accommodations to its guests, but also become a vibrant meeting place for local epicureans and culinary aficionados, with a clear focus on highest-standard hospitality in all its facets.

Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels, which will make its spectacular debut later this year, is resolutely pulling the Belgian card. Thus, the hotel has scrupulously selected two top Belgian chefs to head its two restaurants. Chef David Martin, awarded two Michelin stars for his restaurant La Paix in Anderlecht, and Christophe Hardiquest, the visionary chef who previously earned two Michelin stars with Bon Bon and recently one Michelin star with his latest restaurant Menssa, will set the hotel's gastronomic course.

David Martin, with his French and Spanish background, brings a bold story of fusion and finesse to Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels with 'Palais Royal'. His diverse expertise in renowned cuisines and his fearless search for Japanese influences form the basis of his cuisine. Awarded Chef of the Year by Gault Millau, Martin defies trends by giving classic dishes a twist with subtle Japanese techniques. A starred chef with two Michelin stars for his restaurant La Paix, Martin has proven that his culinary skills deserve international recognition. His deep-rooted love for Japanese precision and minimalism is evident from his early days behind the cooker and reinforced by his numerous travels through Japan. These experiences have shaped his culinary vision and enhanced his passion for Japanese flavours and techniques. At the helm of gourmet restaurant 'Palais Royal', he presents a menu bursting with complex yet accessible, Japanese-inspired flavours.

Christophe Hardiquest, the talented Belgian chef hailing from Waremme, is praised for his talent to transform traditional dishes into contemporary masterpieces. He brings an unparalleled culinary experience to 'Le Petit bon bon', the brasserie of Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels. After being recognised as Chef of the Year by Gault Millau in 2010, he made the leap to a larger restaurant in Sint-Pieters-Woluwe. His culinary mastery at Bon Bon was again awarded a second Michelin star in 2013. With his visionary 'Belgian Journey' menu, he reinforced the Belgian culinary identity. He recently closed his renowned two-star restaurant Bon Bon to make way for his new gastronomic concept, Menssa. Within the year, he was again awarded one Michelin star. He brings his constant drive for innovation and excellence in cuisine to 'Le Petit bon bon' this autumn, where his refined flavours and creative interpretations of Belgian cuisine will take hotel guests and other foodies alike on a fascinating culinary journey.

Hannah Van Ongevalle, seasoned hospitality professional and mixologist from Knokke with more than a decade of experience, joins this duo as head of mixology at Corinthia Brussels. She is known for her groundbreaking approach to cocktails, a reputation she has built thanks to her creative drive and deep-rooted craftsmanship. As founder of the renowned cocktail bar The Pharmacy and winner of the title Best Belgian Bartender, Hannah has made her mark on the Belgian cocktail scene. Her expertise was recognised by the cooking channel Njam and she recorded her experience in her own cocktail bible. Now she shares her passion for extraordinary cocktail creations at 'Under The Stairs', the cocktail bar at Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels where she puts her unique talents and skills to work for all cocktail and mocktail enthusiasts - whether they are Brussels, Belgian or international.

The Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria is not only a feast for the taste buds, but also an indulgence for all the senses. With the Corinthia Spa by Sisley, the high-end fitness club Paul Tucker Gym and exclusive retail concepts, this hotel introduces a total experience without parallel for Brussels, and even Belgium.

At the Corinthia Spa by Sisley, you will enjoy a wellness experience infused with historical charm and contemporary luxury. At a whopping 1,200 square metres, this spa occupies an entire floor of the hotel. This oasis of calm pampers hotel guests and locals with a diverse range of Sisley treatments that revitalise both body and mind. In the café, you will also enjoy beneficial, plant-based dishes. What makes this serene spa truly special is the inspiration the architects took from the rich history of this former palace.Previously, a church stood here, where lace-makers came to pray that their lace would be as white as snow. This history comes alive in the design of the spa and pool, with rich, marble and white accents, symbolising purity, subtly underlining this heritage link. The Corinthia Spa by Sisley promises every wellness lover an unforgettable retreat for the senses.

In fitness at Corinthia Brussels, Paul Tucker will take you on a sports journey, driven by his lifelong passion for fitness. From his youth at Bristol Athletic Club to his role as an instructor within the British Army, sport has always played a central role in his life. Now he shares his expertise as a personal trainer at the Paul Tucker Gym, with his experience in conflict zones such as Northern Ireland and Iraq providing him with invaluable assets. With his dedication and energy, he motivates guests to achieve their fitness goals.

In short, Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels guarantees a total experience that stimulates all the senses. With two restaurants led by star chefs David Martin and Christophe Hardiquest, a bar under the wings of Hannah Van Ongevalle, the Corinthia Spa by Sisley, the Paul Tucker Gym and exclusive shopping concepts, this hotel brings a unique experience that transcends Brussels and even Belgium. Hospitality reaches new heights at 'Brussels' Most Fabulous Address', where every detail contributes to an unforgettable visit. Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels will open its doors this autumn at Rue Royale 103, 1000 Brussels.

Stay tuned; soon we will reveal more about 'Brussels' Most Fabulous Address', and its various hospitality concepts, once our Belgian talents have finished their diverse recipes and menus.