Heston pub chef joins Lidl
Kevin Love, who is a former Lidl store manager, worked at the Michelin-starred Hinds Head in Bray, Berkshire for four and a half years, before leaving at the end of last year for new opportunities.
Before Christmas he ran pop-up restaurant Deluxe in Ely’s Yard in Spitalfields, London.
The discount supermarket has given Love a three-year contract to oversee new product development, sourcing for Lidl's own-brand goods and recipe creation.
Arnd Pickhardt, head of advertising and marketing at Lidl, said: "We are working with a chef who has been a long-time advocate of Lidl and understands our unique position that allows us to offer high quality and low cost.
"We share with chef Love a passion for quality and simplicity that we hope will encourage new customers to come through our doors."
To kick off the partnership, love created a range of recipes appearing in Lidl's Easter advertising campaign aimed at demonstrating how to "make everyday meals taste outstanding".
Love himself worked as a Lidl store manager before training as a chef.
Deluxe range
Among the projects he is working on for Lidl is developing a ‘Deluxe’ range of dishes.
He said: “I wanted to learn more about the business side. Learn more about wine, service and management.”
Love’s CV also includes the Royal Oak in East Lavant, TGI Fridays and the kitchens of Catalan chef Santi Santamaria.
Last year he was also the judge of Leffe’s Gastro Bite Awards.
Former boss Blumenthal currently works with Waitrose.
