Lilshira
Mandarin Oriental rebrands Food & Beverage to Restaurants, Bars & Experiences
Mandarin Oriental is replacing its traditional Food & Beverage operation with a new Restaurants, Bars & Experiences (RB&E) model. The shift, announced in November 2026, targets all hotel guests, local patrons and culinary visitors across the brand’s global portfolio.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Food & Beverage is renamed Restaurants, Bars & Experiences
- Timing
- Announced November 2026 with phased rollout
- Who is affected
- Guests and locals visiting Mandarin Oriental hotels worldwide
The details
- Announced by
- Mandarin Oriental
- Previous rule
- The brand operated under a traditional Food & Beverage function that treated restaurants and bars as hotel outlets.
- New rule
- The new RB&E approach groups food, drink, design, culture and community into distinct venue identities.
RB&E concept and rationale
Mandarin Oriental introduced Restaurants, Bars & Experiences (RB&E) to reflect changing guest expectations. The model places culture, creativity and human connection alongside food and drink, turning each venue into a cultural destination with its own identity and audience.
- Each venue must develop a unique cultural relevance
- Design, music, storytelling and programming are now core elements
- The aim is to attract both international travellers and local communities
Leadership reinforcement
To support RB&E, the group appointed James Norman as Regional Director of Restaurants, Bars & Experiences Operations for Europe & Americas. Norman joins Group Director Christian Gradnitzer and will drive operational excellence, commercial delivery and talent development across the portfolio.
- Norman brings experience from Ritz‑Carlton, Kempinski and Mandarin Oriental
- His role includes concept development and performance oversight
Implementation in Hong Kong and beyond
The Hong Kong property will showcase RB&E with 14 distinct venues, including new concepts like The Pizza Bar by Daniele and Thistle & Jade opening on 2 November. Similar transformations are planned for Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra in Mallorca and other properties worldwide.
- Existing venues such as Terrace Boulud retain their identity
- A wellness‑focused concept will join the portfolio
- The rollout will be phased, aligning with hotel rejuvenations
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers should expect restaurant and bar menus to be integrated with cultural programming at Mandarin Oriental hotels.
- Bookings made before the rollout will still be honored, but guests may experience new venue concepts during their stay.
Cost and documents
- No additional fees or documentation are required for the RB&E change.
- Existing dining packages and vouchers remain valid under the new branding.
What you need to do
- Guests should check the latest venue listings on the hotel’s website before arrival.
- Travel agents may want to highlight the new cultural experiences when promoting Mandarin Oriental stays.
Who this affects
-
International hotel guests
They will encounter the new RB&E venues during their stay.
What to do Review the updated restaurant and bar offerings before arrival.
-
Local community members
RB&E aims to attract repeat local business as cultural destinations.
What to do Explore the newly branded venues for dining and events.
-
Culinary tourists
The concept emphasizes unique culinary experiences tied to local culture.
What to do Plan visits around the launch of new concepts such as The Pizza Bar.
Frequently asked questions
What does Restaurants, Bars & Experiences mean for Mandarin Oriental guests?
It means each dining venue will offer a distinct cultural identity, design, music and programming in addition to food and drink, creating a destination experience for guests.
When will the RB&E concept be rolled out?
The rollout began with the announcement in November 2026 and will be phased across properties, starting with the Hong Kong hotel’s 14 venues.
Will existing dining vouchers still work?
Yes, current vouchers and dining packages remain valid under the new Restaurants, Bars & Experiences branding.
Who is leading the new RB&E initiative?
Christian Gradnitzer is Group Director RB&E, supported by James Norman as Regional Director of Restaurants, Bars & Experiences Operations for Europe & Americas.
Are there new fees for dining under RB&E?
No additional fees are introduced; the change is a rebranding and experience enhancement, not a pricing adjustment.
