Prior to joining Leith’s Gary completed a Hotel Chef Diploma at Bournemouth and Poole College. He then joined Leith’s working in Leith’s Restaurant in Notting Hill. After 7 years Gary left the team to become a proud father but then returned as Senior Sous Chef in October 2001. Gary was then deservedly promoted to Head Chef in May 2002 and now manages a dedicated, creative and passionate brigade of chefs responsible for all of the catering produced at the venue.
The Leith's Team
The Leith’s Team comprises a group of men and women who work behind the scenes to organise your event and deliver the service you expect. Passionate, committed and focused – the team is dedicated to ensure your event is a success be it a sandwich lunch for 10 or a banquet for 800.
Gary Parsons - Head Chef
Richard Davis – Deputy General Manager
Richard has been a long standing member of Leith’s, having spent 10 years as an Executive Chef in various London locations. In 2004 Richard decided to use his experience of the hospitality & catering industry to become Deputy General Manager for Leith’s at The QEIICC. This was a natural progression as Richard could utilise his skills to oversee the daily functions of Leith’s operations. Having a eye for detail and diligently following procedures means that Leith’s strong reputation will remain at the focus of his teams mind.
Suzie Deverall - Front Of House Manager
Suzie completed a TEC Diploma in Hotel & Catering prior to her career in the catering industry. She has worked in hotels, restaurants and more recently banqueting as Leith’s Deputy General Manager at the Royal Festival Hall. Suzie joined the team in February 2003 and now manages the long serving team of head waiters and waiting staff. Suzie and her team are constantly aiming to deliver a service that both achieves and exceeds all your expectations whatever the size of your event.
Nick Dowding - Back Of House and Beverage Manager
Prior to joining Leith’s in 2001, Nick worked in a variety of racing, motor sport and other major outside sporting events where he gained a considerable operational knowledge. Nick and his dedicated team ensure the smooth running of operations “behind the scenes” which ultimately helps deliver the service you expect. Nick also took on the mantel of Beverage Manager in October 2002.
Clare Fathi – Account Manager
Account Manager Clare joined Leith’s at the Centre from the Conrad & Chelsea Harbour in July 2005. Clare brings to the team a thorough understanding of how an event is executed from start to finish and key project management skills. In her previous positions Clare has developed first class customer service skills dealing with everyday guest to VIP’s. Clare also brings to the role enthusiasm, a passion for food and an eye for detail.
Grant Sorrell - Account Manager
Grant has been a member of the Leith’s team at the Centre since 2004, where he joined the back of House Team on a temporary contract. When the opportunity arose to become a permanent member of the team at The QEIICC in 2006, Grant decided to step into the spotlight and join the Front of House Team as an Account Manager. This offered a new set of challenges and allowed Grant to look at Event catering in a different light. Having spent 9 years in the motorcycle industry Grant is no stranger to life in the fast lane.
Vivienne Chileshe - Account Manager
Vivienne completed her advanced studies in Computer Studies and Business Management at West London College and Thames Valley University. She began her career in catering with Sutcliffes at BBC Broadcasting House as Catering Accounts Administrator. Vivienne then joined Leith’s in November 2000, firstly at the Law Society and then at The QEIICC. She has been an Account Manager since September 2002.
Louisa Stirling – Account Manager
Louisa joined Leith’s at The Centre as an Account Manager having previously worked for Earls Court and Olympia’s catering contractor Searcy’s as a Sales & Events Co-ordinator. This position gave Louisa the opportunity to cater some of the world’s biggest stars like Madonna & Sir Paul McCartney. Knowing how to provide the VIP treatment Louisa maintains the standard of service that Leith’s provides QEIICC delegates as part of the Leith’s Quality Assurance Team. Louisa also over sees the catering requirement of an event.
Roger Carrau - Location Accountant
Roger has worked in the Hotel and Catering industry in Switzerland, France and the U.K. He has been with Leith’s for 5 years working as the Location Accountant at Syon Park and London Zoo before joining Leith’s at The QEIICC.
