Christian Jürgens goes to Switzerland

ZURICH. Former three-star chef Christian Jürgens is moving to Switzerland. In future, he will work at the Hotel Villa Florhof. This is a historic silk hotel in the heart of Zurich that is currently being carefully renovated. The opening is planned for early summer 2026 under the Lalique brand. The listed building will combine its traditional architecture with contemporary design, warm hospitality and culinary excellence.

Christian Jürgens (56) has been one of the best chefs in Europe for many years. His stints with Eckart Witzigmann, Heinz Winkler and Jörg Müller as well as his time at Tegernsee, which was awarded three Michelin stars, stand for precision craftsmanship, creative independence and top honours in leading gourmet guides. With his cuisine, he combines contemporary haute cuisine with regional roots and international aplomb and attaches particular importance to authenticity and the conscious use of products. His employment at Überfahrt ended in 2023. This was triggered by a report in DER SPIEGEL magazine in which former employees made allegations of bullying, harassment and humiliation, which Jürgens denied and which were investigated internally by his employer at the time.

House and offer

In future, Villa Florhof will have 13 individually designed rooms and suites. The centrepiece of the hotel is the gastronomy under the management of Christian Jürgens. "Zurich is an inspiring stage for modern haute cuisine. Together with Tanja Wegmann and the team at Villa Florhof, I want to create a place where craftsmanship, the region and the world enter into dialogue - open to all those who appreciate indulgence and hospitality," explains Jürgens. In addition to the restaurant on the first floor, the offer includes a bar-brasserie with terrace, a stylish lounge and an elegant smokers' lounge. The extensive wine selection in the historic vaulted cellar creates an ensemble that will become a place where design, culture, hospitality and cuisine come together for guests from Zurich and all over the world. Silvio Denz, Chairman of the Lalique Group and co-owner of Villa Florhof, explains: "I am delighted that Christian Jürgens is taking over the catering management of Villa Florhof. His culinary signature fits in perfectly with our philosophy. " Christian Jürgens, future co-overall manager and culinary director of Villa Florhof:

Management and key roles

Tanja Wegmann, General Manager Hospitality at Lalique Group, and Christian Jürgens will take over the overall management of Villa Florhof. Over the coming months, a team of top chefs, service and sommeliers will be formed. Recruitment is currently underway for selected key positions, including the management of the bar and the front office. Interested talents with an affinity for hospitality, design and cuisine can apply at info@villaflorhof.com.