Xavier Durand
Food & Drinks (F&D) Manager, Hilton Bahrain

With F&D experience across both operations and training, what are you most excited to introduce at Hilton Bahrain in your new role?
For me, F&D has always been about people – both our guests and our team. I’m really excited to work closely with the Hilton Bahrain team to create moments that make guests feel genuinely welcome and cared for. That means sharing my experience to help the team grow, giving them the confidence to shine and bringing ideas to make dining here exciting, approachable and memorable. It’s not just about the food or drinks – it’s about the experience we create together.

If you were to recommend one dish and one drink from Hilton Bahrain’s menus, which pairing would you choose and why?
I like simple things, so I’d go for a perfectly grilled steak followed by one of our signature cocktails, simple but thoughtful – a great quality meat and a thoughtfully designed drink to finish, it’s like a little celebration in every bite and sip. It’s a combination that really represents what I love about F&D: quality, care and a touch of creativity that leaves a lasting impression.

When you’re off duty, what kind of dining experience do you enjoy most?
I love experiences that feel genuine and relaxed. Whether it’s a casual meal at a local beach spot or a small, lively restaurant in the neighbourhood, I enjoy places where the food is honest, the people are friendly and the atmosphere feels warm. Those are the kinds of experiences that stay with me and inspire me to bring that same feeling to the team and our guests at Hilton Bahrain.