Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, has appointed Chef Julien Poulain as Chef de Cuisine and Benoit Bishopp as Restaurant Manager at Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard
Poulain brings nearly two decades of culinary experience across Europe. He began his career in 2006 at Restaurant Gastronomique La Coquille before working at La Tour d’Argent, Four Seasons Hotel George V and Alain Ducasse’s Rech in Paris. He trained under French chefs Laurent Lalvée and Jacques Maximin, both recipients of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France title.
In 2020, Poulain moved to Switzerland as Head Chef of Restaurant Le Vallon in Conches, working under Executive Chef Christophe Raoux, MOF Cuisine. During his tenure, the restaurant received several industry accolades, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand. In 2023, he joined the opening team at Hôtel Marmont in Switzerland before undertaking further training with Romain Pellet, MOF Charcutier and Caterer, at RP Traiteur. Poulain has also worked in Michelin-starred kitchens and served as a jury member at the Médéric Jean Drouant culinary school in Paris.
At Bord Eau, Poulain will oversee the restaurant’s culinary direction and menus, with a focus on French cuisine, technical execution and team development.
Bishopp joins as Restaurant Manager following senior operational roles in London. He started his hospitality career in 2017 as Senior Waiter at Colbert, part of The Wolseley Hospitality Group, and was promoted to General Manager in 2022, overseeing front- and back-of-house operations, team development, events and supplier relationships.
In 2024, Bishopp joined Arlington by Jeremy King Restaurants as Senior General Manager, where he worked on operational restructuring, including SOPs, service standards, budgeting, inventory and supply-chain management. He later served as Opening General Manager of TOWN Restaurant, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, training, SOP development, supplier setup and pre-opening operations.
At Bord Eau, Bishopp will oversee daily restaurant operations and guest experience, working alongside Poulain and the wider team.
