Tom Aikens has become a Norfolk-born, flame-haired popular culinary master that most people recognise. He is chef owner of three London-based restaurants, after having closed two Michelin star Tom Aikens’ Restaurant in Chelsea in January 2013. His cuisine is notably relaxed and refined, focusing on well sourced and high-quality produce, natural and organic ingredients and UK-based producers.
France has played a major influence on Tom since a young age. With both his father and grandfather in the wine business, Tom soon found himself with a unique perspective of France and its cuisine. Having worked for at La Tante Claire in London and under Jöel Robuchon in Paris, Tom became the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars with his now defunct Chelsea-based restaurant, Tom Aikens Restaurant.
Tom opened his second restaurant, Tom’s Kitchen, in 2006; a second at Somerset House in 2009; and a third in Canary Wharf in 2013. All three giving diners a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the laid-back food that’s on offer. Ontop of his work as a Head Chef, Tom writes cookbooks regularly and appears as a guest chef at various world-wide events.
Describe your culinary philosophy in 5 words…
Never stop learning, be happy
How did you feel when you were awarded your Michelin star?
Elated and exuberant, witha feeling of pride for the team
What is your greatest inspiration?
Its not a question of inspiration, its about having the right mental positivity and get up and go spirit.I don’t have a person that l look up to for inspiration, as I just love what I do, but the thing that really now makes me more hungry and driven to succeed day in and out, is my little lovely girls.
What three things would you take to a desert island?
Well if it could not be Josephine Violette and Justine then it would be a year’s supply of ice cold beer, a barbecue with firelighters and a fishing rod…
- Five AA Rosettes | Tom Aikens Restaurant
- One Michelin star | Tom Aikens Restaurant
- #8 | Tom Aikens Restaurant|World’s 50 Best Restaurants,2005
- Youngest British chef to receive two Michelin stars, 2003 |Pied a Terre, London
Baked Alaska
Chelsea Buns
Beetroot-cured salmon
Muse Belgravia
38 Groom Place
Belgravia
London
SW1X 7BA
Phone: +44(0)203 301 2903
Email: info@musebytomaikens.co.uk
Web: musebytomaikens.co.uk
Edition Hotel Abu Dhabi
Al Bateen Marina
PO BOX 127799
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 (0) 2 208 0000
Email: restaurantreservations.auh@editionhotels.com
Web: editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi
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Pictures © David Griffen