In the world of fine dining, chef collaborations are nothing new; indeed, restaurants often introduce guest chefs to draw in clientele and ‘mix things up a bit’ in the kitchen, where each can showcase their respective talents. Given the nature of the industry, many are, in fact, good friends, who see these collaborations as less of a formal enterprise, or even potential competition, but a bit of a get-together to flex their culinary muscles and talk industry gossip in between service.
But, as with any such venture, its appeal – and its success – depends entirely on the credibility and kudos of those participating. So, when the estimable Phil Howard, who unassumingly maintained twin Michelin stars at The Square for a remarkable 17 years, decides to run a collaboration series at his Chelsea enclave, Elystan Street, you can expect to find, as the Michelin guide would have it, “elegance and style in spades”.
This dynamic series of culinary partnerships, beginning this autumn and running into 2025, features some of London’s most high-profile and progressive chefs, all of whom have a close relationship with Howard. Each of the six course tasting menus will combine three of the guest chef’s signature dishes alongside Phil’s own Elystan Street repertoire, making these authentic four-handed meals.
“It has taken me 35 years to develop a genuine appetite to engage with ‘four hands’ dinners at one of my restaurants,” Howard says, “I have done many over the years, all over the world, but the time has now come to do so in my own kitchen. The food world has evolved so much over this same period of time that I just cannot resist the temptation to cook with some of the country’s most inspirational chefs.”
Jackson Boxer
The initial ‘four-hands’ collaborations kicked off in September with Thomas Straker, currently chef/patron of Straker’s in Notting Hill, and the next, due up on 24th October, will showcase the charismatic wunderkind Jackson Boxer, the tour de force behind Orasay, Brunswick House – which he took on aged just 24 – and his latest, Henri. The meal will major in the culinary style of his six current establishments, each of which has a distinctive personality of their own.
The guests become no less distinguished from here on in. Adam Byatt, who previously worked with Phil at The Square, will complete the autumn dinner series on 21st November, bringing his delicious and distinguished British dishes from his south London trio of successful restaurants – Trinity, Upstairs at Trinity, and Bistro Union.
Emily English
The new year, as you might expect, opens with an introspective, even health conscious, collaboration as Alexis Gauthier, the culinary genius of Michelin-starred Gauthier Soho, opens 2025 with a plant-based dinner on 16th January. Having adopted a vegan diet since 2016, his restaurant business has expanded to include Studio Gauthier and his 123V establishments at the NFI and in Mayfair. Vegan it may be, but Gauthier’s creative, modern French focus will doubtless inspire with exceptional sourcing and imaginative dishes.
January continues on the wellness track as Emily English, the noted nutritionist, joins Phil on 25th January for a lunch featuring a shared menu and conversation to ‘start the new year’ with healthy eating in mind. And then there will be plenty more highlights throughout the year, all offered at what is frankly a bargain price for cooking of this brilliance.
The opportunity to eat at the hands of two masters of their craft in one sitting is not an opportunity that comes along often. “I find the best food out there now more exciting than ever,” Howard muses, “both from a chef’s perspective, and an eating one, too. I have chosen chefs that I respect enormously, who cook wonderful food – and whose cooking will dovetail well with mine.
“I hope these events will be as invigorating and exciting for those who attend as they will be for us in the kitchen and on the floor at Elystan Street.” Speak for yourself, chef: we can’t wait.
Each six course menu is priced at £95pp. For more information about the collaboration series at Elystan Street, and for bookings, please visit www.elystanstreet.com.
