Chef Tom Booton to leave the Dorchester

Chef Tom Booton has announced his departure from the Dorchester after six years at the luxury London hotel.

 

In a post on Instagram, the 2019 Acorn Award winner and executive chef said: “After six incredible years at the Dorchester, I have decided it’s time for me to begin a new chapter in my career.

 

“When I was brought on board, the mission was to put the Grill at the Dorchester back on the map – and looking back, what we’ve achieved together is nothing short of impressive and something I am massively proud of.

 

“I’m forever grateful to everyone at the Dorchester Collection for believing in me and for the many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities I’ve had the privilege to experience.”

 

He confirmed he will remain at the Dorchester until August but has yet to reveal his next move.

 

Booton was appointed head chef of the relaunched Grill at the Dorchester aged just 26, making him the youngest person to have taken on the role in the restaurant’s history.

 

When he joined, he introduced dishes such as scallops with orange and yogurt granita, beef sausage roll served with brisket and creamed spinach and a selection of soft-serves dubbed by The Times as a “designer Mr Whippy”.

 

Booton was previously head chef at the Michelin-starred Alyn Williams at the Westbury and commis chef at Le Talbooth in Dedham, where he began his career aged 15.

 

The Grill at the Dorchester has a 94-year history and in 2023 relaunched as the Grill by Tom Booton, making him the first chef to have his name in the venue’s title.