Proper Hospitality has appointed chef Ned Elliott as Executive Culinary Director across its portfolio of award-winning properties. Elliott, who has worked alongside some of the world’s top chefs, will oversee the F&B programme for all of the group’s hotel brands. 

“I’m thrilled to begin this journey with Proper Hospitality and to bring my background, travels and years in the kitchen to this group of exceptional properties,” said Elliott. “I’m looking forward to growing the culinary department, alongside our world class food and beverage partners, and spearheading this creative and exciting new phase for the group.”

The chef will kickstart his new chapter by introducing a new Italian-inspired menu at Santa Monica Proper’s intimate lobby bar, Palma. The development puts a Californian twist on Italian favourites, and highlights include Spanish bluefin tuna crudo, Roman artichokes with lemon aioli, and ‘Italian tacos’ with prosciutto, mascarpone and caviar. The menu will be accompanied by a natural and biodynamic wine list featuring bottles from California and Italy, as well as craft cocktails and spritzes. 

Elliott joins Proper Hospitality from the Chicago restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, where he led culinary operations and menu development for RPM Italian, RPM Steak, RPM Seafood, RPM Events & Catering, and Pizzeria Portofino through Chicago, Washington DC and Las Vegas.

His new appointment will see him working across Proper-branded hotels in Santa Monica, Downtown LA, San Francisco and Austin, as well as Hotel June and The Collective properties.