London favourite Tom Aikens is ringing in the new year tomorrow with the reopening of his eponymous Chelsea restaurant – newly refurbished for 2012. Originally opened in May 2003, Aikens and new business partners, London Doors, decided it was time for a change with a more informal approach in both décor and food.
Tom has developed a series of new à la carte and tasting menus, including six, eight and ten course options with wines to match. “We want our customers to relax and enjoy the whole dining experience, from food and drink to the actual dining room’s environment,” says the chef, “this informality is definitely the mood in the marketplace for 2012.”
Responsible for the revamp is Istanbul designer, Hakan Ezer and the 52-seater restaurant now features broad-boarded oak floors, custom-designed hand-made wooden chairs and mismatched oak tables alongside rotating mirrors on iron rods to create depth and movement.
Says Ezer, “We wanted to create something original that reflected Tom and his cooking now, that was inviting and welcoming and not overpowering or over-designed - a space that celebrates the
simplicity of good ingredients in both the kitchen and the dining environment.” There’s also a newly expanded private dining room seating up to 12 and even the staff uniforms have been given a makeover.
And if you’re looking for a bit of food for thought, you’ll find it in the shape of quotes about food and wine on the walls penned by literary greats from Socrates and Bacchus to … Miss Piggy!
Opening 12 January 2012
Tom Aikens Restaurant, 43 Elystan Street, SW3
