Exclusive Interview with Chef Thomas Smeeth, Senior Sous Chef, QWERTY

In this exclusive chat, chef shares his journey from family kitchens to Dubai, blending British tradition with authentic, comforting flavors.

You started working in your father’s kitchen at the age of 13. How did those early experiences shape your passion for food and cooking?

Starting young in my father’s kitchen ignited my passion for the culinary world. It wasn’t just about learning to cook—it was about discovering the energy and creativity of kitchen life. Those formative years taught me skills I never had before and instilled a respect for hard work and attention to detail, which continue to drive me today.

What’s your personal twist on classic British dishes that makes them stand out to diners in Dubai?

I like to keep things simple yet impactful. Authenticity is at the heart of everything I do, avoiding overcomplications. My focus is on presenting classic British flavors that stay true to tradition while subtly elevating them to appeal to a diverse audience in Dubai.

You’ve described British food as comfort food. If you had to choose one dish that embodies this sentiment, what would it be?

For me, it has to be apple crumble with custard. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and warming—a dish that feels like a hug on a plate. It takes me back to my roots and resonates with people looking for that same nostalgic comfort.

Menu at QWERTY promises to tantalize taste buds, so what is one of your signature creations?

One of my standout dishes is the tuna steak paired with burnt onion purée and chimichurri. The dish offers a nice contrast of smoky, tangy, and herby flavors with a unique balance that surprises diners and leaves them wanting more.

Dubai is known for its diverse culinary landscape. How do you plan to carve a niche for British flavors in this multicultural city?

By keeping things simple and authentic. My goal is to remind diners of the comforts of British home cooking, whether they’re locals exploring new flavors or expats craving a taste of home. It’s about delivering those familiar tastes with the highest quality ingredients and care.

Does the art of welcoming lie in ambiance creation or human connection?

For me, it’s all about human connection. Ambiance plays a role, but nothing beats being made to feel truly welcome by attentive and genuine staff. It’s that warmth and personal touch that allows guests to relax, unwind, and fully enjoy their experience.

In an exclusive interview with Giacomo Puntel, General Manager of voco Bonnington JLT, he shares his vision of blending professionalism and comfort to redefine corporate hospitality and elevate guest experiences in Dubai.

In your new role, what leadership values and experiences do you aim to bring to voco Bonnington JLT to elevate its reputation as a leading corporate hotel?

In my role at voco Bonnington JLT, I aim to bring a leadership approach centered on collaboration and service excellence. Understanding the unique needs of corporate travelers and exceeding their expectations will remain at the heart of everything we do.

voco Bonnington JLT has a distinctive style and identity. How do you see its design and ethos enhancing the overall guest experience, particularly for business travelers?

The versatile meeting and event spaces, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, provide the perfect setting for corporate engagements. Meanwhile, the well-appointed rooms and communal areas foster an atmosphere where guests can unwind and recharge, ensuring a balanced experience. The combination of style, functionality, and care creates a standout experience that supports both professional and personal well-being.

As a corporate hotel, voco Bonnington JLT embodies a balance of professionalism and comfort. How do you define this approach, and how do you ensure it resonates with business and leisure guests alike?

For business travelers, this means providing efficient service, modern facilities, and amenities designed to support productivity, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, well-equipped meeting spaces, and a strategic location in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, close to major business hubs.

For leisure guests, we focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, offering unique touches like comfortable rooms, personalized service, and access to leisure facilities. We emphasize a relaxed yet vibrant experience that reflects the voco brand’s hallmark charm.

With its diverse room offerings, how does voco Bonnington JLT cater to the unique needs of corporate travelers while maintaining a sense of premium hospitality?

We recognize that corporate travelers have specific needs, and we’ve designed our diverse room offerings to provide a balance of practicality and premium hospitality. Our rooms are thoughtfully equipped with amenities tailored to business guests, such as spacious work desks, high-speed Wi-Fi and easily accessible charging points, allowing them to work seamlessly from the comfort of their room. Corporate needs vary, which is why we offer a range of room types to suit different requirements. For instance, our standard rooms cater to solo travelers looking for efficiency and comfort, while our suites provide more expansive spaces, ideal for longer stays or informal meetings.

How do the hotel’s amenities, like the rooftop pool, signature dining, and meeting spaces, enhance the guest experience and attract business events?

Our array of amenities, including a rooftop pool, signature dining experiences, and state-of-the-art meeting rooms, elevates the guest experience and positions the hotel as an ideal choice for business and corporate events. The rooftop pool and fitness center provide guests with a chance to unwind after a busy day, while our diverse dining options offer both casual and fine dining settings perfect for networking or relaxation. Our versatile meeting and event spaces, equipped with cutting-edge technology and dedicated event support, ensure that corporate functions run seamlessly.

How will you leverage voco Bonnington JLT’s prime location in Jumeirah Lakes Towers to create memorable experiences for corporate and leisure travelers?

Situated in the heart of Jumeirah Lakes Towers, voco Bonnington JLT capitalizes on its prime location to offer a unique and dynamic experience for both corporate and leisure guests. the surrounding area offers an array of dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions that can be explored through personalized recommendations and curated experiences..

What are your key priorities for voco Bonnington JLT, and how do you see its role in Dubai’s competitive hospitality market?

As the General Manager of voco Bonnington JLT, my key priorities for the coming year are centered around enhancing the guest experience, expanding our market presence, and driving operational excellence. I envision voco Bonnington JLT playing a key role in Dubai’s competitive corporate and hospitality market by capitalizing on our strategic location in Jumeirah Lakes Towers. We will continue to attract business travelers through bespoke offerings tailored to their needs, including enhanced meeting solutions and proximity to key business hubs. Simultaneously, we aim to be a preferred choice for leisure guests by offering distinctive, immersive experiences that highlight the best of Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle.

Exclusive interview with Ruggiero Gissi, Head Chef – Isabella Cucina Italiana

Growing up along the Italian seaside, how has your hometown of Rimini influenced your culinary philosophy and the dishes you create today?

Growing up in Rimini, surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, seafood naturally became a focal point in my culinary journey. The freshness and simplicity of local ingredients—especially fish, olive oil, and coastal herbs—shaped my approach to cooking. I believe in honouring the purity of ingredients while letting their natural flavours shine. Rimini’s vibrant food culture also taught me the importance of using seasonal produce and balancing flavours, something I strive to integrate into every dish I create today.

Can you share an example of a dish that embodies this balance between tradition and innovation?

A great example of balancing tradition and innovation at Isabella Cucina Italiana is our Seared Scallops with Wild Mushrooms, Asparagus, Truffle Brown Butter, and Balsamic Vinegar. The earthy wild mushrooms and crisp asparagus preserve the connection to traditional Italian ingredients, while the truffle brown butter introduces a luxurious and contemporary twist. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar provides a tangy contrast, perfectly complementing the richness of the scallops.

Leading the pre-opening stage at Isabella, what was your vision behind the menu, and how did you decide which dishes would make the cut?

My vision for Isabella was to create a menu that reflects the true spirit of Italy, but with a contemporary flair. We wanted to offer both comfort and adventure—familiar yet exciting for those who are passionate about Italian cuisine. The selection process was about finding dishes that were iconic and could tell a story about Italy’s diverse regions. I balanced beloved classics with unique creations that bring out the beauty of Italian culinary traditions in a fresh way.

Food safety and standards are critical in the culinary world. How do you approach training your team on these aspects while maintaining creativity in the kitchen?

Food safety is non-negotiable, and it’s something I prioritise deeply. I ensure that every team member understands the importance of hygiene, proper storage, and handling of ingredients. However, I also encourage creativity within those boundaries. The key is to foster an environment where standards are always upheld, but the team feels free to experiment and innovate without compromising safety. It’s about striking the right balance and ensuring that every dish is not only safe but also of the highest quality.