Daniele Maccarrone, from the motto “Another Brick in the Wall” to leading one of London’s most exclusive clubs: one dream at a time

Another Brick in the Wall is the soundtrack of his life. Because brick by brick, Daniele Maccarrone has built his career.
 Forty-two years old, born in Santa Maria La Stella, a small hamlet of Aci Sant’Antonio in the province of Catania, Maccarrone holds a technical high school diploma as a surveyor. Yet for the past 16 years, in London’s prestigious Mayfair district, he has been the managing director of The George, one of the city’s most exclusive private members’ clubs.

Part of the Mayfair portfolio of the Birley Clubs—alongside Annabel’s, Harry’s and Mark’s, all just steps from Berkeley Square—The George is considered the most informal of the group. Dress codes remain elegant, but the atmosphere is deliberately more relaxed. Even dogs are welcome, with a dedicated pet menu—one of the reasons the Mount Street residence has become a favored meeting place for top-tier hedge fund executives.

Opened in 2001 and relaunched in 2023 after an extensive renovation, The George is particularly renowned for business breakfasts and long lunches. It was here, according to widely cited accounts, that James Murdoch, then chairman of News International, told then-opposition leader David Cameron that his family’s political allegiance had shifted from Labour to the Conservatives. Relaxed, perhaps. Insignificant, certainly not.

In the UK, Maccarrone has earned a reputation as a true people person—someone who thrives on human interaction.
 “I genuinely enjoy getting to know the person in front of me,” he says. “That has always been my strength. I never tire of being around people.”

 He is married to a Portuguese professional also working in hospitality, and they have a ten-year-old son.

Breaking Into British High Society

“I arrived in rainy London at the end of 2003, after spending summers working in bars and kiosks,” he recalls. “I had no significant background in fine dining before coming here. But I left Sicily determined to succeed, to build a life and a new career.”

His first stop was Locanda Locatelli, working under chef Giorgio Locatelli. “That was my London debut. I cut bread and carried dishes. Italian cuisine, all Italians, Michelin star—it was an excellent start.”

After eight months, however, he realized he needed full immersion in the language and culture. He moved to Bath, in Somerset, to work at The Bath Priory, a Relais & Châteaux property with one Michelin star, led by renowned British chef Michael Caines.

“Watching him work was inspiring,” Maccarrone says, referring to Caines, who rebuilt his career after losing an arm in a car accident. “That’s where I truly learned front-of-house service, improved my English, and started seeing this job not just as employment, but as a career.”

Finding His Place at The George

After Bath, London was calling again. Through connections, Maccarrone joined Les Ambassadeurs Club, which also operated as a casino. “It was one of London’s top clubs in 2005. The clientele was exceptional.”

 Following a brief break—including nearly a year in Florida—he received a phone call in 2008: There’s an opening at The George as head waiter. Are you interested?

 The next day, he was back in London.

“That was my first marriage,” he says with a smile. “I’ve been here ever since. I spend more time at the club than at home. When I walked in, I knew this was where I belonged.”

 Sixteen years later, he leads a team of 40 people. “I’ve always kept my feet on the ground. Looking back, I realize how far I’ve come—but I’ve tried to remain the same humble person who left Sicily.”

Roots, Leadership and Elite Hospitality

What made the difference?

 “Determination, and never forgetting who I am and where I come from. Being away from home was difficult, but it pushed me to do better. And I was fortunate to meet people who believed in me—especially Richard Caring, my boss, who trusted me early on.”

His Sicilian roots remain central to his leadership style.

 “There is a lot of Sicily in what I do. London is my professional home, but my real home is in the South. From my father, a tireless worker, I learned respect—for family, for people, for colleagues. I apply that every day with our members.”

And the members?

 “They are multibillionaires, international business leaders, sirs and lords. They represent traditional British aristocracy, but with a global outlook. My role is to ensure that every moment they spend here is flawless.”

Perfection as a Standard

Creating a sense of belonging is essential.

 “This is not a public restaurant. Our members are regulars; this is where they spend their time. We study their habits, preferences, moods. Food and drinks must make them feel at home. We say ‘Welcome home’ because The George is their second home.”

Service is calibrated to the moment. “If they’re doing business, we become invisible. If they’re relaxing, we engage—always with discretion and care.”

Advice to the Next Generation

To young Sicilians dreaming of an international career in hospitality or management, his advice is clear:
 “Believe in yourself.

Always. Stay positive, and have a goal. Without a destination, there is no vision—and without vision, you go nowhere.”
Brick by brick, one dream at a time.