A Coventry sports bar and restaurant has appointed a new head chef and launched a transformed food offering.

Hammad Waheed has joined The Anecdote, Coventry Building Society Arena’s on-site sports bar, as its new Head Chef.

Hammad has more than 15 years’ experience in the hospitality sector and has worked in restaurants in London and Birmingham. His food is inspired by his experience in fusion and pan-Asian restaurants.

The Anecdote features 10 TVs and interactive games for guests to enjoy.

The bar also serves guests staying in the Arena’s on-site Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and fans attending Coventry City matchdays.

Hammad will lead the team in the kitchen at the sports bar and has curated a new menu for guests to enjoy.

The menu has been designed to cater for the wide range of customers that visit The Anecdote including sports fans, conference and exhibition attendees or guests in the hotel.

Highlights of the menu include ham hock terrine, hummus, seasonal soups, authentic pasta and innovative curry dishes.

Hammad said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and a great challenge too, as it’s crucial that we provide a food offering that ticks the right boxes for all our customers.

“Whether you are a meat eater, vegetarian, gluten free or have a sweet tooth, we have designed the menu to have something for everyone. We have an incredibly diverse venue at Coventry Building Society Arena and it’s important that our food reflects that too.

“We’re excited for customers to see what we have to offer, for example we have a talented Italian chef in the team who will be creating authentic pasta dishes, which we are confident will be a huge hit.

“I started my career as a food lover, I didn’t set out necessarily to be a chef, and I think that passion is reflected in my food. We are looking forward to welcoming guests to enjoy our fresh new offering at The Anecdote.”

Mark O’Shea, Catering and Experience Director at Coventry Building Society Arena, added: “We’re excited to have Hammad on board to lead The Anecdote into an exciting new period.

“The sports bar launched four years ago and while it has been a success, it still has untapped potential and that is what we are focused on unlocking.

“The excellent food offer is going to be a huge part of that, as we continue to strive to prove we have the best sports bar experience anywhere in Coventry.”

To find out more about The Anecdote visit https://www.coventrybuildingsocietyarena.co.uk/food-and-drink