Cristian Tulea

Established in 1828, Simpson’s-in-the-Strand began not as a restaurant, but as the Grand Cigar Divan, a coffee house that became the undisputed "Home of Chess." The iconic silver carving trolleys were introduced in 1848 specifically to serve meals quietly so as not to disturb the concentration of the chess masters.

For nearly two centuries, Simpson’s stood as a bastion of British culinary pride. Under the 1862 leadership of Thomas Davey, it famously rejected French influence, replacing "menus" with a "Bill of Fare" and insisting on strictly British ingredients. Its grand halls hosted legends ranging from Winston Churchill and Charles Dickens to fictional icons like Sherlock Holmes.

Despite surviving two World Wars and a major 1904 reconstruction, the restaurant faced its greatest challenge when it closed during the 2020 pandemic. However, as of April 2026, Simpson’s has begun a "New Chapter" under the stewardship of renowned restaurateur Jeremy King, meticulously restoring its Regency-style glamour and those legendary carving trolleys for a new generation.

• Maintained bar stocks by replenishing supplies daily to ensure operational efficiency.
• Executed bar closing duties by thoroughly cleaning, sanitising, and replenishing stock to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
• Maintained bar area and managed inventory of ingredients and utensils to ensure continuous service readiness.
• Executed end-of-day financial routines for cash and card transactions to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Resolved complaints with professionalism and composure to foster positive customer experiences.
• Cultivated a welcoming atmosphere to enhance guest experiences and encourage extended visits.
• Maintained comprehensive knowledge of drinks promotions, pricing, and menu changes to provide exceptional customer service.
• Maintained bar area to ensure compliance with health and hygiene regulations.
• Processed cash payments efficiently using point of sale (POS) systems, ensuring accuracy in transactions and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee stock levels to ensure timely replenishments for efficient bar service.
• Delivered attentive and professional restaurant service to enhance dining experiences.
• Optimised stock levels to enhance operational efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensured bar and staff consistently met high-quality industry standards and upheld brand values.
• Optimised customer service during peak times through strategic prioritisation and effective responsibility management.
• Craft diverse and innovative drink recipes tailored to meet customer preferences.
• Monitored tables regularly to ensure prompt fulfilment of customer needs while processing additional food and drink orders.
• Cultivated high-performing team members to ensure exceptional customer care delivery.
• Curate in-depth bar and menu item knowledge to deliver tailored recommendations that enhance guest experience.
• Maintained exemplary hygiene standards to ensure customer safety and uphold regulatory compliance.
• Curate visually appealing drink displays to entice customers and enhance cocktail offerings.
• Directed junior bartenders in mixology best practices to enhance team confidence and operational competence.
• Oversaw detailed bar inventory management to ensure adherence to budgetary guidelines for sustained profit growth.
• Ensured customer safety by detecting and addressing drug or excessive alcohol abuse proactively.
• Optimised staff rotas to align with customer demand and budgetary constraints.
• Monitored guest behaviour and enforced responsible serving practices to maintain safety standards.