You are a founder of quite a few successful ventures (XOYO , Blues Kitchen Shoreditch , Nest, Cat and Mutton, Old Queen’s Head ), what inspires you to do what you do and what do you think were the key reasons behind their success?
If someone enjoys what they do, that’s all the inspiration they need. With regards to our success I think I’ve been very fortunate in finding some incredible spaces, combine that with a passionate hard working team who believe in what they’re doing and things tend to work out.
What is unique about Blues Kitchen?
The Blues Kitchen is a restaurant, bar and gig venue all within a single space. Being able to harmonize all three experiences is fairly unique in itself. More importantly though I think the rich Deep South culture which inspires The Blues Kitchen really permeates through and creates a unique atmosphere.
How do you select the menu for the restaurant?
That’s the best bit about the job. We’ve done numerous trips in the name of research to the Deep South and we’ve also been massively inspired by numerous restaurants and bars in NYC. Our head chef is also insanely obsessed by barbecue. Combine all that with a ridiculous amount of tastings and we’ve ended up with the current menu. We’re constantly refining it and it’s something we’re very proud of.
What is your signature dish that everyone has to try?
People go mad for our buffalo wings. The recipe is very closely guarded! Our expertise however is barbecue, so if you’re up for a challenge you could give the Dino Rib a go. It’s a 4.5kg whole smoked beef rib, definitely not one for the faint-hearted or something to approach alone.
Why did you choose Shoreditch/East London for the new restaurant?
I lived in Shoreditch in the nineties and it’s being absolutely fascinating to watch the area’s dramatic change over the past twenty years. There was certainly a point when Shoreditch went backwards, perhaps around six years ago, a lot of the creative communities which had made Shoreditch so exciting were priced out and there was nothing new or exciting happening in the area. Fortunately that period of stagnation passed and the area is experiencing a second resurgence. When we made the decision to open our second Blues Kitchen we were certain Shoreditch was the right place for it
What are your future plans?
There’s been a huge surge of fresh restaurant and nightlife concepts over the past couple of years, which makes our job for the future all the more challenging and interesting. I can’t say exactly what we’re up to other than South London we’re coming for you.
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