Called Muse, the restaurant is described as being the culmination of many years spent searching for the perfect location and is billed as becoming ‘the pinnacle’ of Aikens’ career thus far.
It will open in December and will ‘provide a unique and intimate dining journey, offering each and every guest a kitchen table experience from either the kitchen counter or table side’, according to the announcement.
Split over two floors of a mews house, Muse will draw on pivotal experiences and influences in Aikens’ life, from memories of his early childhood through to his career as a chef.
It will feature a fully open plan kitchen with the dining room designed by Rebecca Korner.
“Throughout my life, I have been inspired and influenced by many different people, places, time and travels,” says Aikens.
“From my mother, Tania, who opened my eyes to the infinite pleasures and absolute delights that food can bring – like the very first time I tasted a warm, juicy strawberry or a crisp, sweet pea-pod plucked straight from the ground – to all of those who have guided and supported me throughout my journey, from my initial steps into a kitchen to where I am today.”
“I still carry with me an inherent pride of my Norfolk provenance, alongside the many places that were considered a home-from-home in those early years. That’s why my new home, Muse, pays homage to all of these and more.”
Aikens has had a long career in kitchens, having worked at Pierre Koffmann’s La Tante Claire, with Joël Robuchon in Paris and at Pied-à-Terre and is the youngest chef to win two Michelin-stars at the age of 26. He opened his eponymous restaurant Tom Aikens in Chelsea in 2003, which won two stars before it closed in 2014 - Phil Howard’s Elystan Street now occupies the site.
He also runs Tom’s Kitchen in Chelsea, which he opened in 2006.
