On 11 January 2020, acclaimed British chef Tom Aikens will open his new London restaurant, Muse. A converted Georgian townhouse on Belgravia’s charming Groom Place will house the 25-cover fine dining restaurant, with dramatic open kitchens on both floors of the petite mews building.
The menus at Muse are inspired by nostalgia and the pivotal moments and key people from Tom’s personal life and career. Through Tom’s take on experience-led dining, Muse will invite guests on a culinary journey that is designed to create lasting memories. From the six-course and ten-course tasting menus, each dish harks back to something or someone who has influenced Tom, paying subtle and artful culinary homage.
One such dish, Conquering the “Beech Tree”, has been inspired by childhood fearlessness and memories of boldly climbing a huge beech tree with his twin brother at the end of their garden. This is mirrored at Muse in an unconventional joining of Langoustine, pork fat and burnt apple, which rings true to Tom’s belief that as a chef, he should never be afraid to take risks.
Another dish, entitled The love affair continues, has been inspired by Tom’s French mentors Joël Robuchon and Pierre Koffmann, honouring Robuchon’s signature mashed potato and Koffmann’s renowned method of cooking fish in goose fat. Throughout the menu, dishes champion just a couple of key ingredients, use carefully selected produce and aim to intrigue and scintillate guests simultaneously.
A bespoke cocktail list has been crafted for Muse by the celebrated Ryan Chetiyawardana of Mr Lyan and Lyanness fame. All cocktails will be prepared by the chefs, balancing the flavours of the drinks as they would food.
An innovative take on a martini will incorporate Mr Porter’s Classic London Dry Gin, Londrinio Dry Vermouth, hogweed and yarrow, whilst a sour will combine Loch Lomond Single Grain Whisky, sun-dried tomato and tarragon. Giovanna Satta has been appointed Head Sommelier at Muse and will guide guests through a wine list designed to match Tom’s exquisite dishes perfectly.
The restaurant itself is split across two floors, with open kitchens on each. This provides guests with the opportunity to become immersed in the orchestration of the chefs and the execution of each dish.
The ground floor features a cocktail lounge and five counter seats overlooking the downstairs kitchen, while on the first floor, there is a handful of tables as well as kitchen counter seating for a further six, ensuring a front-row dining experience for all.
Tom has worked closely with Rebecca Korner on the interior design for Muse, with luxurious fabrics, marble and wood panelling juxtaposed against striking contemporary features. When positioned inside the homely corner townhouse, these elements come together to reflect Muse’s key concept of memorable fine dining in an intimate setting.
Muse – Where and how?
Address: 38 Groom Place, Belgravia, SW1X 7BA
Website: www.musebytomaikens.co.uk
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