Award winning Welsh chef Tom Simmons will open his first restaurant in London this June 2017.
The talented young chef will put Wales on London’s culinary map with what is set to be one of the most anticipated openings this year, in Tower Bridge, London’s iconic foodie destination.
With coveted awards and accolades under his belt, Tom will showcase his relaxed and elegant cooking style with a focus on thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
Influenced by both British and French cuisine with a emphasis on his Welsh heritage, Tom will be at the helm in the kitchen as partner Lois Thomas oversees the front of house.
The restaurant will be the first to open in the brand new One Tower Bridge development, with The Ivy to follow. Open for brunch, lunch and evening service, the menu will feature dishes such as; roast cod loin, asparagus, haddock scotch egg & hollandaise; salt baked beetroot, goats cheese and apple salad; braised ox cheek, pommes puree & bourguignon sauce; rhubarb panna cotta, granny smith sorbet and ginger biscuit.
Favourite dishes will be available as small plates to enjoy at the bar, or for the table; pre-dinner nibbles will include one-off originals, such as cockle popcorn with laverbread mayonnaise.
Tom uses superb ingredients from chosen suppliers to create a menu that will showcase Welsh lamb from Preseli Blue Stone, Orkney scallops from Keltic Seafare, foraged mushrooms from Fine France, and much more.
Speciality beers and quality wine by the glass will sit alongside a wide-ranging list of bottles from importers OW Loeb.
Originally from Pembrokeshire, Wales, Tom’s respect and passion for nature, produce and cooking has been a major part of his life from a young age. His earliest memories are of roaming farmers’ markets, foraging in the countryside, and harvesting his mother’s vegetable garden. His passion, and understanding of quality ingredients is at the heart of what Tom creates today.
Tom was the youngest competitor to reach the quarter-finals in MasterChef – The Professionals back in 2011. Most recently, Tom headed up the kitchen at Wolfscastle Country Hotel where he was awarded 2 AA Rosettes within one year. His experience includes working in highly regarded kitchens with Mark Sargeant and Tom Aikens.
Set over a mezzanine split level, the restaurant interior will be a mixture of rustic and contemporary design elements. Influenced by Tom & Lois’ Welsh roots, materials will be largely natural, with wood panelled walls, a slate bar and Welsh oak tables.
The colour palette will be a blend of earthy tones and the walls will display scenes from the Welsh countryside. The space will be lit with natural and soft lighting, creating a relaxed and elegant environment for friends and family to come together, drink and eat.
