Chasing Dreams on the Pitch, Gathering Cheers with Beer: Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Kempinski Hotel Chengdu Host Members' Beer Feast

Chengdu, China, 13 June 2026, as football fans worldwide turned their eyes to the pitch, a distinctive culinary gathering unfolded in Chengdu. The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, in partnership with Kempinski Hotel Chengdu, presented the Exclusive Members' Beer Feast at DR Craft Beer Taproom — an event that fused the energy of the game with the pleasures of fine brewing and exceptional dining.

The evening carried the spirit of "Football Ignites Summer, Fine Beer Honors Glory," striking a balance between the dynamism of the world's biggest sporting event and the time-honored traditions of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Kempinski Hotel Chengdu, with its two decades of European heritage and deep local roots, brought a distinct character to the occasion. The hotel's longstanding reputation for German-style brewing aligned naturally with the theme of the night, adding authenticity to every pour and plate.

At the heart of the feast were two accomplished chefs. Executive Chef Jimmy Chi, honored with the title of "Chengdu Craftsman," draws on over twenty years of international five-star experience across Shangri-La, InterContinental, Hilton, and Kempinski. His culinary repertoire spans Japanese, Southeast Asian, German, and Chinese cuisines. Joining him was Guest Chef Leon Pan Naumann, whose career includes time at Kempinski Palace Engelberg in Switzerland and leadership roles at Paulaner Brauhaus in Beijing. Together, they crafted a menu that bridged Bavarian traditions with local Chengdu accents — a collaboration that felt both deliberate and effortless.

The buffet menu read like a tour of German culinary classics. From red cabbage salad and house-cured gravlax to the signature snail sausage and crispy pork knuckle carved tableside, each dish carried the hearty character of Bavaria. A slow-roasted prime rib shared the carving station with Sichuan-style barbecue skewers — a thoughtful juxtaposition that underscored the evening's East-meets-West narrative.

The beer pairing was equally central to the experience. Brew Master Yang Dijun, who trained at Paulaner's headquarters in Munich and has earned multiple national brewing awards, personally crafted the lagers, dark beers, and wheat beers served throughout the night. Each brew was a reflection of his decades-long dedication to the craft, and a fitting counterpart to the bold flavors on the menu.

Beyond the buffet, passed-around bites such as sesame-crusted tuna with mango salsa and Sichuan peppercorn beef cubes added moments of surprise. The dessert selection, featuring a Sichuan peppercorn black forest cake, offered a subtle yet memorable local twist — a quiet testament to the kitchen's willingness to experiment within tradition.

The setting itself played no small part. Kempinski Hotel Chengdu, with its blend of Viennese elegance and the warmth of Tianfu culture, created an atmosphere that was both refined and relaxed. More than a venue, it offered guests a sense of place — a place to unwind, connect, and celebrate. In the amber glow of DR Craft Beer Taproom, members adorned with their ceremonial ribbons raised their glasses to the matches on screen and to the shared values of good company, good food, and good beer.

As the tournament continues to unfold across the globe, this gathering by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Kempinski Hotel Chengdu stood as a reminder of what brings people together — across cultures, across cuisines, and across continents. A summer night in Chengdu, lifted by the spirit of the game and the taste of craft.

About Kempinski Hotel Chengdu:

For over 20 years, Kempinski Hotel Chengdu has been welcoming both business and leisure travelers and providing a blend of European luxury hospitality and Sichuan tradition. Conveniently located in the south of the city, Kempinski Hotel Chengdu is the ideal place to start discovering Chengdu. The 450 newly renovated guestrooms and suites combine modern design, luxury amenities and personalised service, with expansive, unparalleled views of the bustling modern city. Nine classic room types are distributed on floors 6–20, with room sizes ranging from 34 to 88 square meters to meet the different needs of guests. The rooms are equipped with a ventilation system and a KingKoil mattress, with ten kinds of pillows for you to choose from.

Kempinski Hotel Chengdu has five restaurants with special styles, and 2,500 square meters of event space, which is an ideal venue for either business or family gatherings.

 

About Kempinski:

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 78 hotels and residences in 32 countries and currently has more than 31 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.

https://www.kempinski.com/en • https://www.ghadiscovery.com/

 

For further press information:

Eileen Hong • Marketing and Communication Manager

Kempinski Hotel Chengdu • No. 42, 4th Section South Renmin Rd • 610041 Chengdu •P.R. China

Tel +86 28 8526 9999-5304 • Mob +86 131 6786 0635   • E-Mail: eileen.hong @kempinski.com