'Theo Randall at The InterContinental'

LONDON, May 17 /PRNewswire/ --

- London's Hottest New Restaurant to Launch at InterContinental London

Roland Fasel, General Manager, InterContinental London and Theo Randall, former Head Chef and Partner of the Michelin star River Café, today jointly announced the launch of Theo Randall at The InterContinental, Randall's first independent restaurant, at the InterContinental London, which re-opens this Autumn 2006 following a GBP60 million restoration.

Theo Randall at The InterContinental presents an evolutionary platform for Randall, allowing him to offer his own, unique interpretation of regional Italian dining, with a focus on the freshest seasonal produce and clean, authentic flavours. Created by London-based J2 Design, the 120 cover restaurant will comprise a vibrant, contemporary dining room, a bar and private dining space. Taking inspiration from his childhood memories, Randall wants to bring back the concept of stylish dining, where food is a celebrated experience that is interesting, entertaining and exciting.

Theo Randall said: "I am thrilled to enter this partnership with InterContinental London and launch Theo Randall at The InterContinental. The glamorous dining rooms of Park Lane have fascinated me since I was a child, and now InterContinental London has presented me with a rare opportunity to create my own restaurant, and bring my very own philosophy of cooking to life in the most prestigious Park Lane location."

London has always been Randall's home base. Born in Kingston in 1967, he started his career in 1986 with a four year stint at Chez Max in Surbiton, where he was classically trained but also gained a vibrant inspirational work ethic from chef and owner Max Magarian. After an initial three years at the River Café in 1989, Randall spent a year working with Alice Waters, the original creator of Californian cuisine, at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, USA, before joining forces with River Café's Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers again. Working in partnership with Gray and Rogers, Randall co-created many of the original River Café concepts. As Head Chef and Partner, he was principally responsible for the day to day operation of the restaurant. During Randall's tenure as Head Chef, River Café was awarded a Michelin star in 1997.

Seasonality is essential to Randall's cooking philosophy, as is his passion for working with the freshest produce. He invests time in personally sourcing produce from his devoted network of suppliers. The finest sourced ingredients of the day are his creative inspiration for daily changing menus that offer authentic, refreshingly simple Italian food with great flavours. Randall uses the best of British and Italian produce, such as fish directly from the British coast and meats from individual farms, alongside magnificent vegetables from Italy's markets and organic growers in the UK.

Theo Randall at The InterContinental will be a unique addition to the impressive facilities and services that will be revealed when InterContinental London re-opens its doors again in Autumn 2006. Following extensive renovation, the new London flagship of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts will feature beautifully restored public areas, 447 elegant rooms and designer suites, a chic city spa, a stylish lobby bar and an entire floor dedicated to meetings and events.

Roland Fasel commented: "We are delighted to announce that Theo Randall has chosen to open his first independent restaurant venture at the InterContinental London. Theo is one of Britain's most talented young chefs, and his vision and passion will create an exceptional restaurant that complements superbly the exceptional new product and unique service offering the InterContinental London will deliver when we re-open this Autumn."

Notes to Editors:

ABOUT INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom [LSE: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms. InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 3,600 hotels and 537,500 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental(R) Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express(R), Staybridge Suites(R), Candlewood Suites(R) and Hotel IndigoTM, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club(R) Rewards.

InterContinental Hotels Group offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ichotelsgroup.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards programme at www.priorityclub.com.

For the latest news from InterContinental Hotels Group, visit our online Press Office at www.ihgplc.com/media.

ABOUT INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS & RESORTS

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts was the first truly international hotel brand in the world, and quickly became the symbol of glamour, sophistication and success that years later, continue to define global travel. The brand is committed to providing its guests with memorable and unique experiences that enrich their lives and broaden their outlook. InterContinental offers services and amenities specifically designed for the international business traveler, while maintaining the delicate balance of luxury expectations with authentic local experiences that enhance the leisure stay as well. Located in more than 60 countries, InterContinental continues to expand in key destinations around the globe. www.intercontinental.com