Hong Kong SAR, China, 22 July 2022 – The Murray, Hong Kong has appointed Lexine Hepworth as Chef de Cuisine of Popinjays. An awardee of the national medals “Best Apprentice in France” and “Trophée Jean Rougié”, Lexine learned her trade from culinary master Alain Roux and had the opportunity to serve the Queen of England on two occasions. At Popinjays, Lexine is responsible for overseeing the kitchen operation and curating culinary offerings for the city’s most exciting rooftop destination.
Born in Chester, a small city in the northwest of England, to parents running a family-owned hotel, Chef Lexine spent her childhood in and around the hotel working alongside her chef father. At 16, she received official culinary training at the highly reputable Lycée des Métiers Hôteliers Quercy-Périgord in France. In two years, Lexine nailed her study with merits and attained the “Best Apprentice in France” award in 2009 and “Trophée Jean Rougié” in 2011.
Being the first ever to win both prestigious titles paved the way for her to work under the guidance of Alain The year 2013 opened new opportunities for Lexine as she changed her path to manage high profile private catering events throughout London, including the Queen’s 90th birthday celebration at the London’s Guildhall. Another turning point for her career came in 2019, moving to Hong Kong when she headed a team of 90 chefs at The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s western dining outlets in the racecourses.
Applying authentic French techniques is the backbone of Lexine’s culinary approach. She is also bold in exploring and using different ingredients and combination of flavours. In her creations, the natural taste of the ingredients shines in their purest form, in a way that is harmonious and without one ingredient overpowering the others.
Bringing a wealth of restaurant and event catering experience, Lexine joined Popinjays with passion and a great vision. She shared, “When I heard about this position, it was instant that I felt a kinship between Popinjays and my own traits. Popinjays is much more than a restaurant. Its versatility seems limitless, from being a perfect dining destination and bar of choice to the happening hub in the city and a one-of-a-kind event space. With an exceptional setting, high energy and a flamboyant vibe that celebrates boundless creativity, this venue is where I want to be a chef”.
About The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel
Named a Five-Star Hotel by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide, The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel is a high-profile preservation project by British international studio for architecture and integrated design Foster + Partners. The hotel, part of Hong Kong SAR’s Conserving Central initiative, was previously the stand-alone Murray Building, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The US$ 1 billion contemporary sanctuary features 336 oversized rooms and suites spanning 25 floors. Other facilities include a swimming pool and spa, a stunning rooftop bar with breath-taking views of the central business district and the green oasis of Hong Kong Park, a series of signature restaurants and bars, as well as creative meeting and event spaces. The Murray is also the first hotel in China and Hong Kong to be listed as “Sharecare VERIFIED® Health Security with Forbes Travel Guide” to recognise the hotel’s health security achievement. The Murray is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, bringing together 35 brands with over 500 hotels in 85 countries.
Further details on The Murray, Hong Kong are available at niccolohotels.com.
About Ultratravel Collection
Ultratravel Collection brings together hotels of distinction for the discerning traveller. Its membership is reserved for the very best hotels and resorts in the world – genuinely luxurious and iconic properties that deliver the finest service and personalised guest experiences. Member hotels share an integrated global platform for guest recognition and loyalty rewards, the DISCOVERY programme from partner Global Hotel Alliance, as well as beneficial relationship with the multi-media brand Ultratravel, the other founding partner of Ultratravel Collection. For more information, visit ultratravelcollection.com.
About GHA DISCOVERY
Launched in 2010, GHA DISCOVERY is the world’s largest loyalty programme for independent hotel brands, featuring more than 500 hotels, resorts and palaces across 35 brands. Members enjoy VIP recognition, thoughtful benefits and generous rewards at home or away. Recently the programme has evolved to include an additional tier and flexible paths to upgrade through nights/stays, eligible purchases or number of brands stayed, making it easier and faster for members to reach elite status. Unlike more traditional programmes, GHA DISCOVERY does not ask members to count points towards their next upgrade. Instead, members earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), an exclusive rewards currency. They also enjoy members-only Experiences curated by each hotel and have access to properties close to home, without a stay, through member-only Local Offers.
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About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (Leading Hotels of the World)
Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, Leading Hotels is a collection of uncommon luxury hotels. Rooted in the locations in which they are found, members embody the very essence of their destination. Through varied styles of architecture and design and distinct cultural experiences enhanced by passionate people, the collection is for the curious traveler looking for their next discovery. Established in 1928 by several influential and forward-thinking European hoteliers, Leading Hotels has a nine-decade-long commitment to providing remarkable, authentic travel experiences. The company selects only hotels that meet its high standards for quality and distinctiveness, resulting in a curated portfolio of hotels united not by what makes them the same, but the details that make them different. Leaders Club is the company’s exclusive tiered guest loyalty program, consisting of like-minded travelers seeking uncommon travel experiences. The program provides its members with personalised service and exclusive travel benefits to enhance their stays at any Leading Hotel around the world. For more information visit: www.lhw.com, Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LeadingHotels, Twitter @LeadingHotels and Instagram @leadinghotelsoftheworld