One of the city’s most exciting young talents, Jiří Štift joined the Mandarin Oriental family in May 2009. Štift was schooled at the Prague Hotel Management School and began his culinary career at the InterContinental in Prague, before travelling the world on board the famous Queen Elizabeth II for six months working in its prestigious kitchens. Upon his return to Prague in 1999, Štift joined five-star hotel in Prague and was appointed Executive Chef in 2002. During his six-year tenure, the hotel’s restaurant was established as one of Prague’s best for seafood gastronomy and his efforts earned him the much coveted five-star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, the first ever to receive the award in Prague. Štift also has claimed numerous Czech Gourmet Guide awards.

Chef Štift has revived traditions from the Golden Era of Czech cookery to present guests with nothing less than a renaissance of the region’s cuisine. He makes the most of fresh seasonal ingredients sourced both locally and globally, using them in creative preparations that maintain fidelity to the origins of each dish.

Martin Hamáček earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies at the Institute of Technologies in Ireland and has been at Mandarin Oriental, Prague since its opening. With many years of hospitality experience gained in Germany, Ireland as well as the Czech Republic, he also has a keen business sense. His skill at identifying new bar and restaurants trends has brought him reputation of one of the best Bar Managers in Prague.

In 2008, Hamáček claimed a Czech Bar Award for Barego bar at Mandarin Oriental, Prague.