The Norfolk Boys at GBR
Here at GBR, we are extremely excited to invite you to a one of a kind celebration of our country’s wonderful culinary tastes on Tuesday 9th July. Our long-standing Executive Head Chef, Nigel Mendham, will be joined for one night only by Michelin-Star chef Tom Aikens for a unique gastronomic collaboration – The Norfolk Boys at GBR. The two chefs will unite forces to honour wonderful British fayre with an exclusive six course tasting menu, influenced by their mutual roots, which we are certain will be a night to remember.
Both Tom and Nigel have strong ties with Norfolk and is the shared area where their journeys began to become renowned chefs. Nigel was born and raised in the area, cooking from a young age and taking inspiration from the simple dishes his mum would make. His first job was in a Norfolk pub, where he would serve food and help cook when short-staffed, before moving on to gain his qualification at college. Tom took a similar path, coming from a family involved within the wine industry and being introduced early to a love of good food, deciding to develop his cooking skills by enrolling at the Norwich City College Hotel School.
Both chefs have since carved out wonderful careers in the hospitality industry. After studying, Tom went on to work in top restaurants in both London and Paris, including David Cavalier’s restaurant in Battersea, Pierre Koffman’s La Tante Claire in Chelsea, and Joel Robuchon’s restaurant in Paris. At the age of 26, he became the youngest British chef to ever be awarded two Michelin stars. Tom has gone on to open his own restaurant chain – Tom’s Kitchen – across 3 different locations, has written 3 books, and has also made numerous television appearances.
Nigel continued to train at restaurants throughout the country when he had finished his studies, working in some of the best AA Red Star country houses in Britain including South Lodge and Stapleford Park. He worked alongside two Michelin starred chef Martin Blunos at the Lygon Arms Hotel in the Cotswold before moving on to The Samling Hotel in the Lake District. It was at the Samling where Nigel took the hotel up to 3 AA Red Stars and received his own Michelin star for his cuisine in 2010. Since 2011, Nigel has been Head Chef at GBR London, fulfilling his vision to provide exceptionally prepared, Great British favourites, with contemporary twists.
Tom and Nigel’s unique Norfolk heritages have been the source of great inspiration for the six-course tasting menu they have crafted for the GBR London event. The chefs have fond memories of summers spent on sandy beaches, clam-picking and crabbing, something which is evident in dishes such as the Gin & Beetroot Cured Longshore Cod and the Cromer Crab. The full mouth-watering menu can be found here. All dishes will be prepared using local produce from their trusted local suppliers, bringing a true taste of Norfolk to Mayfair. For anyone who can’t make the event, select dishes will be added to the GBR menu throughout the summer.
DUKES London and the GBR Restaurant are very excited to host this exclusive event. The Norfolk Boys at GBR will take place on Tuesday 9th July 2019 from 7pm and tickets will need to be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. For £125 per person, you will receive a welcome drink, the six-course tasting menu, and wine pairing from Justerini & Brooks – our Royal Warrant partner. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of each ticket will be donated to Hospitality Action. This charity is close to the hearts of everyone at DUKES London, offering vital assistance to those who currently work, or have previously worked, within the UK hospitality industry and find themselves in crisis. For booking, please call the GBR team on +44 (0) 020 7491 4840 or email [email protected].