Iconic Hanoi hotel welcomes Kevin Danet as Director of Food and Beverage and Liam Nealon as Director of Culinary
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has strengthened its food and beverage leadership team with the appointment of Kevin Danet as Director of Food and Beverage and Liam Nealon as Director of Culinary. The two appointments mark an exciting new chapter for the legendary Hanoi hotel as it celebrates its 125th anniversary throughout 2026 with a calendar of immersive dining experiences.
The appointments are designed to further enhance the hotel’s celebrated culinary identity while bringing together expertise from across Vietnam and the international luxury hospitality industry.
Kevin Danet Brings Extensive Vietnam Experience
Kevin Danet steps into the role of Director of Food and Beverage after spending almost two years as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. With more than a decade of experience in Vietnam, he brings a strong understanding of the country’s hospitality industry, local market and evolving guest expectations.
In his new position, Kevin will oversee the hotel’s food and beverage operations across its eight outlets, including Le Beaulieu, the property’s signature modern French fine-dining restaurant.
For Kevin, creating memorable hospitality goes beyond food and beautiful surroundings. “Beautiful venues and exceptional cuisine are important, but what guests remember most is how we made them feel,” he said, highlighting his focus on the personal side of the guest experience.
Liam Nealon Joins with 25 Years of Global Culinary Experience
Joining Kevin in strengthening the hotel’s culinary leadership is Liam Nealon, who has been appointed Director of Culinary. Liam brings 25 years of international hospitality experience spanning Australia, Asia and Europe.
Before joining Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Liam was part of the culinary team at Four Seasons Resort Bali. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation for respecting high-quality ingredients and allowing natural flavours to take centre stage.
At the Metropole, Liam will focus on creating more dynamic and engaging culinary experiences while working closely with the hotel’s service teams. His approach places particular emphasis on the relationship between the kitchen and dining room, helping create meaningful interactions that guests can remember long after their stay.
“I am particularly passionate about collaborating closely with service teams to foster meaningful guest connections and memorable moments,” Liam said.
A New Chapter for the Metropole’s Culinary Story
The arrival of Kevin and Liam comes at an important moment for Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. As the historic property celebrates 125 years of hospitality in the Vietnamese capital, the hotel is using the anniversary year to showcase its culinary heritage while introducing fresh perspectives.
George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, welcomed the appointments, noting that the pair will help strengthen the connection between the kitchen and dining room.
Their combined local and international experience is expected to support the hotel’s continued commitment to refined gastronomy, personalised service and memorable guest experiences.
Exploring the Dining Experiences at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Food and beverage has long been an important part of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi experience. The hotel’s restaurants and bars bring together French influences, Vietnamese traditions and contemporary international hospitality.
At Le Beaulieu, guests can experience contemporary French fine dining in an elegant setting. Spice Garden celebrates Vietnamese cuisine with a refined approach, while Le Club Bar is known for its Metropole brasserie offering and traditional high tea.
For a more contemporary experience, angelina combines an extensive beverage programme with creative comfort food in a distinctive bar-lounge-restaurant setting. La Terrasse offers Parisian-inspired outdoor dining along the streets of Hanoi, while Bamboo Bar provides a relaxed Indochine-inspired setting beside the hotel’s pool.
Together, these venues give guests and Hanoi residents an opportunity to explore a wide range of flavours and dining styles under one historic roof.
125 Years of Legendary Hospitality in Hanoi
Established in 1901, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is one of the city’s most recognisable luxury hotels. Located in the heart of Hanoi, the property has welcomed generations of travellers, diplomats, artists, royalty and heads of state.
The hotel combines its historic colonial character with neo-classical elegance and contemporary touches. It is also the first property in the Sofitel Legend collection, a group created to showcase hotels with distinctive heritage, architecture and stories.
The 358-room hotel is divided between the historic Heritage Wing, dating from 1901, and the neo-classical Opera Wing. Three of its most celebrated suites are named after notable figures associated with the property: Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin and Somerset Maugham.
Beyond its restaurants and bars, the hotel features landscaped gardens, a heated outdoor swimming pool, fitness facilities and meeting spaces. Guests can also enjoy treatments at Le Spa du Metropole, browse La Boutique and discover gourmet products and pastries at L’Epicerie.
Looking Ahead to a New Era of Dining
With Kevin Danet leading food and beverage operations and Liam Nealon overseeing the culinary direction, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is entering its 125th anniversary year with a renewed focus on gastronomy.
Their combined experience brings together deep knowledge of Vietnam, international culinary expertise and a shared emphasis on guest connection. As the hotel continues its anniversary celebrations throughout 2026, diners can expect a blend of the Metropole’s timeless character and new culinary perspectives.
For reservations and further information, guests can contact Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi directly.
