The BHA said that Loewi, who is managing director of independent restaurant group, D&D London, understands the needs of the hospitality industry. As a partner of the group, owning and operating more than 30 leading restaurants across the globe and South Place Hotel in London, he offers experience from some of the capital’s most iconic hotels, with time at Claridge’s and Hyatt International Hotels, says the BHA.

His new role coincides with the BHA’s decision to relaunch the Restaurant Association, a dedicated BHA division for restaurant ambassadors and leaders of restaurant groups, chains and independent sites across the UK.

The association is redefining its role to ensure that the high profile of London’s dining business is capitalised upon in Government and spread across the UK.

Key initiatives will focus on employment issues including the shortage of waiters and chefs in London, rent costs, changes to the rate of VAT and online reviews to name a few. It will also support the industry in implementing substantial new EU regulations and the way food allergens are communicated to diners, which come into force this December.

BHA chief executive Ufi Ibrahim commented: “We are delighted to introduce David Loewi as chair of the Restaurant Association at such an exciting time for the eating out scene.

“The next few weeks see the London Restaurant Festival, National Waiters Day and The Big Hospitality Conversation London. With all these events, David will be a fantastic role model as we urge young people to look beyond outdated viewpoints and join the hospitality industry. The breadth of roles in hospitality and the training available means that bright and focused young people can succeed very quickly.”