Tom Aikens relaunches two restaurants at Somerset House

Compass Group have joined forces with Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens to relaunch the dining operation at Somerset House this month as Tom’s Kitchen and Tom’s Terrace.

The chef, who currently operates Tom’s Kitchen and an eponymous restaurant in Chelsea, will oversee the dining operation at Somerset House with the launch of a second Tom’s Kitchen and Tom’s Terrace, the venue’s summer-only terrace restaurant.

Sarah Miller, business director for leisure at Compass, which currently oversees the dining operation at Somerset House, said the group wanted to offer a point of difference to the areas existing dining offer.

“Competition is fierce and we have to give our guests something fantastic if we want them to eat with us rather than at the dozens of other restaurants in the area,” she said. “With Tom’s Kitchen, which has been a huge success in Chelsea, we have that added ingredient.

“Tom is one of the best chefs working in London and we are confident that his food, coupled with the wonderful setting, will be a big hit with diners in the West End.”

Restaurants on the Thames

Tom’s Kitchen, which replaces the Admiralty restaurant, will feature the same menu as its namesake branch in Chelsea. Tom’s Terrace, which will replace the River Terrace Café overlooking the Thames, will serve a separate seasonal menu consisting of sharing plates.

Aikens said: “Somerset House is a fantastic venue for this new look restaurant. I am looking forward to offering patrons a fresh and relaxed dining experience in outstanding surroundings.”

Aikens, who rose phoenix-style from administration in 2008, will run his two existing restaurants independently of Somerset House.

Article By Becky Paskin from Big Hospitality 22/04/10