MEET THE CHEF: TOM AIKENS

Tom Aikens is one of the UK’S most acclaimed and inspirational British chefs, with Tom’s Kitchen currently having five sites across London as well as one international flagship in Istanbul and a new restaurant, bar and deli in Birmingham. The UK restaurants and delis all serve British favorites and comfort food classics in a relaxed and informal environment, with an emphasis on where food comes from and how it is grown. Further afield Tom has opened The Pawn, and The Fat Pig, both in Hong Kong, as well as Pots, Pans & Boards in Dubai.

Describe yourself in three words. Passionate, ambitious, father.

The dish you would never like to eat... A ready meal.

The cuisine that inspires you... French cuisine.

You opened Pots, Pans & Boards in Dubai. Why? It is a very simple sharing concept, based on my own memories of sitting around a table with my parents eating food directly out of the pot. This was a real moment of satisfaction as it was all about great food with loved ones.

The MENA cuisine you would like to try... Moroccan cuisine.

The celebrity chef you would like to work with… I have been fortunate enough to work alongside some of the world’s best chefs. Many of them were French, including Joel Robuchon and Pierre Koffman. They have both been real inspirations to my cooking and have influenced my style. I also admire chefs like Paul Bocuse, Alain Ducasse and the Roux brothers. Not only have they revolutionized the industry with their cooking, but they are also great businessmen.