[Updated 7/11/12 with dates of Story's opening and address]
He's worked with the likes of Rene Redzepi at Noma, and previously with Tom Aikens, Adam Byatt and Thomas Keller. Now Tom Sellers is planning to launch his own restaurant in London next year, Story.
However, before the restaurant launches, you'll have the chance to preview the food in a pop-up Sellers is running in association with supper club experts, the Rebel Dining Society. He'll be running a two night event in a converted Edwardian chapel in Bethnal Green called, in a nod to the permanent venture, Foreword. There, you can expect dishes like bread and dripping for starters, beef cheek, pumpkin seed, brown butter and sorrel for main and charred pear, parsnip and buttermilk for dessert.
We caught up with Sellers to find out more.
Can you tell us more about the menu at Foreword and how it's inspired by Noma?
The menu at Foreword uses humble ingredients but throws them together in a creative, inspired way. And how can anyone not be inspired by Noma? It is an excellent restaurant, and René Redzepi made me realise that sometimes you don't have to overcomplicate food but keep it natural for the best results.
What can you tell us about what to expect from your upcoming restaurant, Story?
Story has been a life-long dream of mine, and Foreword will hopefully lead to the realisation of that dream.
And finally - who do you rate on the London dining scene at the moment
In this current climate, I rate anyone who can run a successful restaurant - it takes dedication and hard work at the best of times! In terms of excellent cooking, I look up to the people who have personally taught me: Tom Aikens is one of the most talented chefs I have ever seen in the kitchen and, of course Adam Byatt, whose food is the kind every chef wants to eat - from the heart.
Story will open at 201 Tooley St, London SE1 2UE in February 2013.
