WORK • Wednesday Routine
JACQUES ALVERNHE • director of operations • Brooklands by Claude Bosi at The Peninsula London
Neighbourhood you work in: Hyde Park
Neighbourhood you live in: Vauxhall
It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Mornings at the restaurant always start with a little ritual: an espresso shared with the chef. It’s our way of grounding the day – checking in not just on how the kitchen and floor performed the night before, but also on how the team is feeling. From there, we review the guest list, spotting familiar faces, celebrating regulars and noting any special occasions coming up. Once that’s done, I dive into emails and join the hotel’s morning briefing to align with the broader team. By 11:30, we gather for the pre-lunch service meeting, where energy really begins to build. The shift from calm preparation to the lively hum of the restaurant coming to life is always my favourite moment; it’s a reminder of why I love this work.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Right now, a big focus is planning upcoming chef collaborations. These projects are incredibly rewarding but require a lot of coordination – aligning schedules, shaping creative concepts and making sure the communication around them feels just right. It’s a balancing act of logistics and imagination.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
For midweek dining, I always find myself recommending Trivet. Whether for a casual glass of wine and a few light bites on a Monday or a full dinner later in the week, it’s consistently excellent. Their sweetbread dish is particularly memorable. Another spot I love is The Parakeet. It has that rare ability to make you feel instantly at home. The team combines genuine warmth with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
How about a little leisure or culture?
I love escaping into nature. The walk from Seaford to Eastbourne, with its sweeping views over the Seven Sisters cliffs, is unbeatable – peaceful, invigorating and a reminder of just how beautiful the English coastline can be. For evenings in London, I’m drawn to two extremes: the carefree fun of a pint and a night of comedy at the Top Secret Comedy Club, or the more contemplative, immersive experience of a performance at the National Theatre. Both leave you with that sense of having really made the most of your evening.
Any weekend getaways?
I recently took a trip to Ireland, and though it was brief, it felt incredibly restorative. I stayed at the Castlemartyr Resort in Cork, a five-star hotel that perfectly balances understated luxury with tranquility. The highlight of the trip, though, was dining at Terre, the restaurant nestled inside the resort. The experience was exceptional on every level. It reminded me how powerful a destination meal can be – it’s not just what’s on the plate, but the journey and sense of discovery that surround it.
What was your last great vacation?
Japan. It’s a country that constantly surprises and delights, whether you’re caught up in the electric energy of Tokyo or wandering through quieter towns off the beaten track. The culinary experiences alone made it remarkable: from the refined elegance of Sézanne in Tokyo to a hidden gem in northern Kyoto near Kyotango, Nawaya Tango. The latter was so remote it felt almost like a pilgrimage, but the reward was a meal that captured the essence of place and tradition in a way I’ll never forget.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
During my time off, I love playing tennis, and my most recent big-ticket purchase was a full week at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. It was an incredible experience – world-class coaching, great facilities and a chance to immerse myself in the sport I enjoy most.
What store or service do you always recommend?
Bread Ahead Bakery. They’re famous for their crème brûlée doughnuts, incredible sourdough and a buzzing Borough Market location that really captures the city’s food culture.