Restaurant Story, encamped on a traffic island by London Bridge and the brainchild of Tom Sellers, has just won its first Michelin star after being open a scarce eight months. Alacrity to rival that of Dabbous last year and with similarly youthful a chef. But is it deserved? Can it really equal Dabbous, for which the waiting list stretches on deep into 2014? I made my way
over a few weeks ago, prior to the Michelin announcements, to judge for myself, but primarily just to eat. First things first, after all.
over a few weeks ago, prior to the Michelin announcements, to judge for myself, but primarily just to eat. First things first, after all.
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| Tom’s concept is one of storytelling. Each dish has a story, every ingredient; both are inspired by something, be it literature, Tom’s life or merely something that touched him. Some inspirations are obvious, nearing on contrived, like the Dickens-esque candle brought to your table upon being seated which, after endless (well – a generous six) rounds of excellent amuse bouche, was revealed as being our starter: bread and beef dripping. |  |
Others, less so, such as an exquisite dish of Onion & English Plum, a story told in honour of the humble onion, which sadly sees so rarely the limelight it deserves. Savoury, sweet broth of onion, with succulent caramelised rounds atop and smooth plum compote cushioned below.
As well as the ingredients, all customers are invited to become part of Tom’s story by bringing with them a book to leave behind and become part of the restaurant’s tapestry.
As well as the ingredients, all customers are invited to become part of Tom’s story by bringing with them a book to leave behind and become part of the restaurant’s tapestry.
 Candle / Beef dripping starter |  Wonderful dish of Onion and English Plum |
 Amuse 1: Peas & Truffle |  Amuse 2: Fish skin & carrot tops |  Amuse 3: Oyster Crème stuffed Nascentiums |  Amuse 4: Seaweed butter stuffed radishes |  Amuse 5: BBQ Corn with corn pudding |
Tom’s assertive concept is matched by his flavours. Everything I ate was excellent. From the amuse’s tribute to corn, Kent corn BBQ’d out back and served in a homely cast iron dish
with buttery corn pudding, to wild duck, lightly smoked, presented whole at the table and served with apple and plump bilberries, everything was exceptional. Several of the dishes were
served directly by the chefs who took time to explain the story behind each dish which, coupled with the kitchen’s open glass front and the food’s engaging hypotheses, led to an intensely personal meal; each bite of each dish engineered to mean not more than the sum of its parts,
but precisely as much. For indeed, each ingredient is honoured, given its stage. I feel little shame in admitting that Story’s evocative pre-dessert of almond milk ice cream and brittle with dill oil and snow was so flawless that it almost brought me to emotion through wonder at its
perfection.
In summary, Tom Sellers has created somewhere worth writing about, worthy of becoming a story in itself. I hope you go and write about it and spread the word; it’s worth telling about.
Rating: 9/10
201 Tooley St London, Greater London
SE1 2UE
020 7183 2117
www.restaurantstory.co.uk
with buttery corn pudding, to wild duck, lightly smoked, presented whole at the table and served with apple and plump bilberries, everything was exceptional. Several of the dishes were
served directly by the chefs who took time to explain the story behind each dish which, coupled with the kitchen’s open glass front and the food’s engaging hypotheses, led to an intensely personal meal; each bite of each dish engineered to mean not more than the sum of its parts,
but precisely as much. For indeed, each ingredient is honoured, given its stage. I feel little shame in admitting that Story’s evocative pre-dessert of almond milk ice cream and brittle with dill oil and snow was so flawless that it almost brought me to emotion through wonder at its
perfection.
In summary, Tom Sellers has created somewhere worth writing about, worthy of becoming a story in itself. I hope you go and write about it and spread the word; it’s worth telling about.
Rating: 9/10
201 Tooley St London, Greater London
SE1 2UE
020 7183 2117
www.restaurantstory.co.uk
 Heritage potato, turnip and coal (coal emulsion) |  Almond & dill – the perfect dessert |
 Wild berries, chocolate and buttermilk |  Unique drawings on each of the menus |
