The Visionaries Behind our European Restaurant in Dubai

Sam Rhodes was born in Taunton, Somerset in the UK, where his father, Gary Rhodes, received his first Michelin star. Having started his career as a waiter at Rhodes 24, Sam moved to Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai, as an Assistant Manager in Buddha-Bar. In 2022, Sam officially took on the role of General Manager for Rhodes W1 as he carries the mantle of his father's legacy.

Sam's favourite dishes from the new menu are the Bang Bang Chicken Salad and the RW1 Burger.

Though he may not have followed his father into the kitchen, he certainly did follow him in becoming an avid Manchester United F.C supporter.

Born and raised in Romania, Gabriel studied theology at university level and had plans to become a priest. However, he discovered and fell in love with the hospitality industry while in university. He did his first internship in a luxury hotel in Greece in 2010 and subsequently secured his first job at the same hotel.

Gabriel joined Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar at the Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel as a waiter in 2012. He was promoted to supervisor at the iconic Buddha-Bar in 2015 and then moved on to become the Assistant Manager. He transferred to La Strega, an authentic Italian restaurant at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa in 2019.

Gabriel joined the Rhodes W1 family in September 2023.