News from Berlin

Berlin, 7 November 2024 — Gourmets and fans of the renowned Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer can breathe a sigh of relief. Following a dedicated search for a successor to Reto Brändli, the acclaimed, multi-award-winning gourmet restaurant kitchen has found its new leader in Jonas Zörner — a highly talented and ambitious chef, and, for the first time, a Berlin native.

The legendary Hotel Adlon Kempinski extends its gratitude to Brändli for his three years of dedication, during which he received numerous accolades. Brändli will return to his native Switzerland next year to pursue new professional opportunities. It is also from there that Zörner brings valuable top-tier industry experience from his time in Zurich at Heiko Nieder's The Restaurant at the renowned Dolder Grand Hotel, which refined his previous training as a chef at Berlin's two-star restaurant Facil with this international expertise.

The birth of his son inspired Zörner’s return to Berlin, where he further honed his skills at Facil over two years. After joining GOLVET, a prestigious Berlin establishment with an open kitchen overlooking the city’s rooftops, Zörner quickly advanced from Chef de Partie to Junior Sous-Chef, then to Sous-Chef, and eventually to Head Chef. Under his leadership, GOLVET has retained its Michelin star annually since 2021, while Zörner was honoured as Berlin Master Chef in 2022 and received a nomination for Emerging Chef of the Year by Der Feinschmecker magazine.

‘With Jonas Zörner, we are thrilled to welcome a rising culinary talent and inspiring leader to our team at the Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer,’ says Karina Ansos, Managing Director of the iconic hotel. ‘Promoting young, committed talent in all hotel areas has always been a matter close to our hearts in our service-orientated industry and is still one of our recipes for success today. We will support him fully in expressing his creative vision and making his mark. His unwavering dedication to quality and passion for the culinary arts assure us that Jonas Zörner will continue the success story of our gourmet restaurant, bringing fresh perspectives and exciting new ideas.

The 31-year-old discovered his passion for the culinary arts at an early age, when, at eleven, he first explored the seemingly endless flavour combinations of foods and aromas alone at the cooker, compiled them into recipes, tasted them with fascination and developed them further. Internships at prestigious kitchens, including VAU under the renowned Kolja Kleeberg, deepened his interest in gastronomy. Today, Zörner places a high value on cultivating creativity among his team, viewing each new dish as a collective achievement and an essential part of the restaurant’s success.

‘Becoming head chef at such an esteemed restaurant, following in the footsteps of such successful predecessors, is both an honour and a motivation to meet the high expectations,’ says Zörner. ‘The Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer offers me the opportunity to contribute my expertise alongside an internationally recognised team and to grow at the highest level. I’m excited for this new journey and bringing many ideas with me.’

Starting 12 February 2025 after the gourmet restaurant's winter break, guests can look forward to fresh culinary highlights in the luxurious setting of the Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer. Zörner will work closely with Maître Oliver Kraft and an experienced service team, including Head Sommelier Hans-Martin Konrad, recently named one of Germany’s fifty best sommeliers by the Rolling Pin.Convention.

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About Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin:
The iconic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is located in the very heart of Berlin, right next to the famous Brandenburg Gate. Its unique location, legendary history, opulent furnishings and décor, as well as a service above and beyond impeccable, make the Hotel Adlon Kempinski ideal for leisure travellers and a premier venue for social and corporate events. The hotel has 307 luxurious guest rooms, 78 exquisite suites, three restaurants and a magnificent spa and wellness area designed to attract the most elite guests from all over the world.

About Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer:
The Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer effortlessly combines contemporary haute cuisine with Adlon’s long-standing tradition of excellence and a dash of culinary ingenuity, creating an ambience to suit any occasion. The restaurant’s unique atmosphere and special charm, along with unobstructed views of the famous Brandenburg Gate, make it a wonderful choice for a perfectly relaxed, extraordinary dining experience. The gourmet restaurant at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is open Wednesday to Saturday from 19:00 to 12:00 midnight. Table reservations can be made by phone at +49 030 – 2261 1959, via email at [email protected] or online at www.lorenzadlon-esszimmer.de.

About Kempinski Hotels:
Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today, the Kempinski Group operates 80 hotels and residences in 34 countries and currently has more than 28 prestigious projects under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. www.kempinski.com www.ghadiscovery.com

Media contact:
Sabina Held • Director of Public Relations
Tanja Freytag • Public Relations Executive
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin • Unter den Linden 77 • 10117 Berlin • Germany
T +49 30 2261 1703 • M +49 172 6526102
[email protected] • kempinski.com/adlon
[email protected]