Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints David Eldridge as New Executive Chef

South African national brings two decades of culinary experience to storied hotel in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 17, 2025) – Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic luxury hotel in Cambodia’s capital, has appointed David Eldridge as its new Executive Chef, as the historic property continues to elevate its fine-dining programme.

Chef David brings more than two decades of international luxury experience across eight countries, including the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, Tanzania, the UAE, Qatar, Seychelles and his native South Africa. He joins Raffles Hotel Le Royal from Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, where he served as Director of Food, Beverage & Culinary. His career also included senior roles with Four Seasons, Kempinski Hotels, and The Luxury Collection (Marriott).

Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s celebrated restaurants include Restaurant Le Royal, an acclaimed Khmer fine-dining venue, and Le Phnom 1929, a French-style brasserie.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef David and his wealth of culinary expertise to Raffles Hotel Le Royal. His vision and talents will help us continue to deliver the finest dining experiences in Cambodia and the region to both hotel guests and the local community,” 

Dagmar Lyons, General Manager, Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, which originally opened in 1929, now features 175 rooms and suites revitalized through a comprehensive restoration completed in 2019. The transformation blends modern comfort with timeless elegance, reflecting the hotel’s French colonial heritage enriched by Khmer artistry and Art Deco design.

For more information on Raffles Hotel Le Royal or to make a booking, please contact +855 23 981 888 or visit www.raffles.com/phnom-penh.