Reservations for chef Tom Sellers’ highly anticipated first solo
restaurant are not yet being taken, but that hasn’t stopped diners calling the restaurant to try to secure a sought-after table. Since making details of its booking line public, the restaurant,
which opens on 9 April, has been inundated with calls from restaurant-obsessed Londoners.
‘The response has already been amazing,’ Sellers told Square Meal. ‘In the week that we released the telephone number for reservations, we had more than 3,000 requests – and there have been even
more enquiries since.’
The buzz around Story’s executive chef and co-owner (pictured) is not surprising – since starting his career at Restaurant Tom Aikens at the tender age of 16, the ambitious chef has worked in some of the world’s greatest kitchens,
including Thomas Keller’s Per Se and René Redzepi’s Noma.
Despite his young age – he is still only 25 – Sellers is keen to realise his dream of opening his own restaurant.
‘I always wanted my own restaurant, and I always knew I wanted to call it Story, but I had to find myself in food first,’ Sellers explained. ‘The food at Story will show my influences not only as a
cook but also as an individual, from childhood to where I am now. I perceive food like a story, and I want this restaurant to tell mine: I've travelled all around the world and worked in some
amazing restaurants, and that's reflected in the food I cook. My dishes will represent me as an individual - I'm young, full of energy and a little bit cheeky.’
Story will be taking bookings on a month-by-month basis; the booking line for reservations in April will open at 9am on 9 March. ‘I think it’s fairer to do that,’ said Sellers.
Diners eager to be first through the door can sign up to a mailing list in order to be notified of advanced booking dates. Call the restaurant on 020 7183 2117 to submit your details.
This story was published on 20 February 2013.