Upmarket Muse occupies an intimate 25-cover space in a renovated mews property in one of the most chi-chi corners of Belgravia. It’s the brainchild of chef Tom Aikens, who has returned to London’s fine-dining scene after a five-year absence – his more casual offshoot Tom’s Kitchen still operates in Chelsea.
Muse is split over two floors of a characterful mews house, with each floor boasting a fully open plan kitchen which allows diners to see the kitchen team at work. The space has been designed by Australian interior designer Rebecca Korner, who has combined an eclectic mix of furniture with splashes of jewel-toned marbles and rich woods.
The restaurant exclusively serves multi-course tasting menus, with Aikens drawing on his childhood memories and moments in his illustrious career to inspire dishes. The tasting menus evolve with each season and include stripped-back dishes which place an emphasis on one key ingredient or element. Unsurprisingly, the tasting menus come with an appropriately Belgravia price tag, priced at around £130. However, a smaller tasting menu is available for under £100 for those on a slightly tighter budget.
Speaking about the opening of Muse, Aikens said: “Throughout my life, I have been inspired and influenced by many different people, places, time and travels. My new home, Muse, pays homage to all of these and more.”
Aikens is one of Britain’s most highly acclaimed chefs, and he still holds the record for being the youngest ever chef to be awarded two Michelin stars, a feat he achieved at the age of 26 when he headed up the kitchen at Pied à Terre. His career has not been without controversy though – Aikens was eventually fired from Pied à Terre after he allegedly branded the hand of a trainee employee with a hot palette knife, while his Tom’s Kitchen group has suffered several closures in recent years, with sites in locations including Birmingham and Canary Wharf closing their doors.
Illustration: Brodie Williams