Former Ledbury chef to open Hām in West Hampstead
Australian-born chef Matt Osborne is to open neighbourhood restaurant Hām in London's West Hampstead this spring.
His past experience in London includes stints at the two-Michelin-starred Ledbury in North Kensington, the Other Naughty Piglet in Westminster, Salon in Brixton and more recently, as head chef at Toasted in East Dulwich (now closed).
Hām, which means home in Old English, will champion produce from small British farms and artisan suppliers and serve a seasonal menu.
Co-owned with friends Rose Tuckey and David Houten, the trio were inspired by independent farmers, fishermen and cheesemakers and wanted to open a restaurant which showcased their produce.
The restaurant will serve brunch and dinner, with plates such as: crumpets with honeycomb, Westcomb ricotta and pear; Norfolk quail with artichoke, kombu and watercress; raw beef with English wasabi, ginger and shallots; brill with verjus sauce, Pink Fir and mussels; chocolate crémeux with blood orange sorbet and peppermint; and a selection of cheese from Mons Cheesemongers & Neal's Yard Dairy.
Osborne said: "At Hām we are working with small suppliers to create a menu which will showcase the best possible ingredients available. We are working with people who are true craftsmen and women, we want to show people respect for what they passionately produce, with what we put on the plate. Hām will be like a buzzing living room, where friends and family come together to share food and stories."
The interiors, designed by Rory Macpherson of Play Associates, mixes modern elements with traditional design details such as exposed brick walls alongside velvet banquette seating and blond chevron wood flooring. It also includes an open kitchen and a leathered marble bar.
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