Art-inspired luxury boutique hotel continues to push the boundaries of Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary scene with the arrival of highly acclaimed British chef on 4th November 2024.
MGallery Collection celebrated the opening of The Albion by Kirk Westaway on 4th November 2024, an innovative and creative yet approachable new top floor restaurant that will become the latest addition to Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant culinary scene and mark the arrival of Kirk Westaway, the highly-acclaimed British chef, in Vietnam.
Perched on the 23rd floor of Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection, the art-infused boutique hotel that transports guests back in time to the glamorous 1930s, The Albion by Kirk Westaway will present contemporary British cuisine in a newly-renovated setting with sweeping skyline views. Named after the ancient term for Britain, this stylish dining destination will provide a unique intersection of tradition and modernity.
The launch of this visionary restaurant is perfectly aligned with the spirit of the MGallery Collection, the global story of hotels and resorts that celebrates individuality, creativity and anti-conformity, with curated experiences designed to surprise and inspire guests.
Journey Back to an Elegant Bygone Era
Stepping into this stylish 23rd floor restaurant, guests will be greeted at the historic British bar
The design of Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection is woven into the very fabric of its identity, with elegant art deco interiors enhanced by the owner’s personal collection of paintings and antiques. The Albion by Kirk Westaway will add a new element of British sophistication to this concept, with a historic British bar and wooden panelling, reminiscent of London’s exclusive private members’ clubs. The 60-seat dining space blends old and new, with rich wallpapers, contrasting textures and marble worktops, all set against the backdrop of panoramic city views.
The Albion by Kirk Westaway will occupy the space that was previously known as the Social Club Restaurant. Guests can still chill out at the hotel’s Social Club Rooftop Bar, which specialises in handcrafted cocktails and fine wines, making it the perfect place to unwind before or after an unforgettable evening of contemporary British cuisine.
“I’ve long admired Chef Kirk’s talent and vision. His impact on reshaping the perception of British cuisine on a global scale cannot be overstated. The Albion by Kirk Westaway will not only provide a unique culinary venue for our own discerning hotel guests, who always appreciate fine food and original experiences; it will also create an entirely new dining concept for Ho Chi Minh City, which I am sure will become highly sought-after among discerning local diners. We are proud to welcome The Albion by Kirk Westaway to Vietnam and the world,” said Philippe Le Bourhis, General Manager, Hôtel des Arts Saigon – Mgallery Collection.
A New Era of Contemporary British Cuisine
One of Chef Kirk’s favourite dishes from Let’s Begin: The Albion Tomato
Chef Kirk Westaway is known around the world for his acclaimed Singapore restaurant, JAAN by Kirk Westaway, where he has proudly maintained two MICHELIN stars for four consecutive years. Since taking the helm as Executive Chef in 2015, he has passionately championed modern British cuisine on the global stage. With The Albion by Kirk Westaway, he is bringing that same innovative spirit into a more approachable setting, inviting guests to sample casually elegant dishes that are great for sharing. He will be joined in the kitchen by Head Chef Christopher Clarke, a long-time friend of Chef Kirk’s and a seasoned culinary professional with a wealth of experience in top British restaurants.
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- Lobster Cocktail
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- Whole Roast Chicken
Together, Chef Kirk and Chef Chris have designed a menu that celebrates British cuisine through a contemporary lens, offering up refined renditions of classic flavour pairings in a way that’s both vibrant and unexpected, yet also comforting and approachable. Hotel guests at Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection and other discerning diners, including Ho Chi Minh City’s experience-seeking local residents and international visitors, can look forward to creative takes on classic British combos such as strawberries & cream, roast chicken & thyme, and of course, fish & chips.
The menu is arranged into four distinct sections – Let’s Begin, Main Courses, To Share, and Something Sweet – with a strong focus being placed on the freshest and finest produce, some of which sourced from organic farms in Dalat, alongside select producers from around the world.
Executive Chef Kirk Westaway (left) and Head Chef Christopher Clarke (right) in the kitchen of The Albion by Kirk Westaway
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh City. I love the people, the culture and the vibrant food scene. The Vietnamese palate is actually more similar to modern British cuisine than people might think; both share an appreciation for delicate flavours and refined tastes – elements that resonate deeply with my personal style of cooking. The subtly sweet notes in Vietnamese cuisine align beautifully with the ingredients and techniques I love to incorporate. I cannot wait to welcome the people of Vietnam through the doors of The Albion, a concept I’ve been wanting to embark on for some time,” revealed Kirk Westaway.
The Albion by Kirk Westaway will become the fourth F&B venue at Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection, joining Café des Beaux-Arts, the chic and sophisticated art café, Saigon Kitchen Restaurant, which is inspired by Southeast Asia’s vibrant street food markets, and Social Club Rooftop Bar, which frames breath-taking views of the city skyline.
For more information and to discover an exciting new era of modern British gastronomy at The Albion by Kirk Westaway, please click here.
To book your stay at Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection, the art-inspired boutique hotel in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, please visit www.hoteldesartssaigon.com.