Originally from Paris, Chris Delalonde started his career in 1992 - working for Philippe Faure Brac (ASI world best sommelier 1992). Moved to the UK in 1998 - after spending 2 years as Head sommelier of Alain Passard’s L’Arpege - to join The Square restaurant in Mayfair owned by Nigel Platts -Martin and Phil Howard at the time. 2 stints 98/99 then 2000/01 and a “Gap Year” in between, travelling around the globe’s wineries. In 2001, joining the Group to open Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s as Head Sommelier. Another small world tour and returning to his love affair: The Square from 2004 to 2009.

A small escape from the restaurant side with 2 years with Sarment: The Private Sommelier Company. Passing the MS exam in 2009 and winning UK sommelier of the Year in 2010. Relocate in Shoreditch in the Boutique Hotel owned by Sir Terence Conran and Peter Prescott: Boundary from 2011 to 2013 as Executive Sommelier and Deputy General Manager; before heading up to Scotland: joining l’Hotel du Vin company as Deputy General Manager for the opening of the St-Andrews branch.

In November 2015, returning to London. Chelsea and Medlar restaurant for just above a year and deeply back into wine! Before Joining The Bleeding Heart Group as beverage manager from January 2017. Took the position of Head of Wines at The Dorchester Hotel in June 2018 where I am now.