Restaurateurs in Residence: Smoke and Salt Come to Islington

Smoke and Salt was an idea conceived and developed by two chefs with diverse culinary backgrounds. Aaron Webster, of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, first came up with the idea in 2013 before starting work at the Shed Restaurant in Notting Hill, where he met now business partner and collaborator, Remi Williams. With ten years of restaurant experience collectively, having trained with award-winning chefs, the pair felt confident they were ready to set up their own project.

The duo have toured London for close to two years, with numerous successful popups in different corners of the city, gaining critical acclaim during their residency in East Dulwich. When they initially set up the concept, the idea of a popup of this scale, for such a short period of time, was considered unusual, to say the least. Their unique thought process combined both the now hugely successful home-style supper club, with a restaurant quality atmosphere and food offering.

Taking inspiration from the likes of Roganic and Thomas Keller’s French Laundry pop-up at Harrods, the pair wanted an affordable version of this kind of platform to assess whether people would like their food or not. Now on the road to opening their own restaurant, they are bringing their delicious five-course menus to The Chapel Bar in Islington.

Smoke and Salt, The Chapel Bar, 29 Penton Street, London N1 9PX