The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, has appointed Matthew O’Donnell as head sommelier at its fine dining restaurant Number One.
Originally from Airdrie, O’Donnell brings over a decade of hospitality and wine expertise to his new role. His career has spanned some of the “grandest hotels” across England, Ireland and Scotland, including Ashford Castle in Ireland, Grantley Hall in Yorkshire and The Strathearn at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire.
He further honed his expertise in world-class wines as a Sommelier at London’s renowned fine wine members’ club, 67 Pall Mall, where he worked closely with one of the city’s most extensive cellar collections.
O’Donnell will lead the wine programme at Number One, curating a wine list in partnership with the restaurant’s chef de cuisine Mathew Sherry and manager Emma Hemy, to perfectly complement the seasonal menus.
He holds multiple Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications, including Level 1 in Sake, Level 2 in Spirits and Level 3 in Wines. He is also currently studying towards his WSET Diploma in Wines. A particular enthusiast for Austrian wine, he counts the region among his personal favourites.
O’Donnell said: “I’m delighted to join the team here at Number One, and I’m so looking forward to bringing my passion for sustainable wines to one of the finest dining destinations in the UK. I’m particularly looking forward to sharing my interest in the wines of Austria, including the vineyards of Wachau, Südsteiermark and Vienna, with both the team and diners.”
Opening in 1997, the restaurant’s name was inspired by The Balmoral’s prime address, 1 Princes Street. Number One currently holds four AA Rosettes, is Michelin Guide recommended and included in the prestigious La Liste Top 1000, a listing of the world’s best restaurants.
