AUSTRALIAN chef Scott Hallsworth is set to achieve his dream of taking high-end Japanese flavours and making them accessible to all with his latest London venture, Kurobuta.
Kurobuta is modelled in the style of an izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub, with the focus on sharing small plates of food and drink in a fun, casual environment.
Centrally located in London’s Connaught Village, Kurobuta is guaranteed to attract a convivial crowd looking to enjoy inventive, seasonal Japanese food and playful cocktails, sake, shochu, wine and beer.
With an extensive career crafting Japanese flavours into delicious offerings, Scott Hallsworth brings a wealth of experience to this new endeavour. Previously Head Chef at Nobu, and co-owner and executive chef at Wabi in Holborn, Scott says he’s looking forward to creating an atmosphere where customers can enjoy exciting Japanese dishes with a side of culinary theatre.
“I set myself a challenge to deliver that ‘high-end’ appeal at a sensible price point and without the air kissing pretence. Kurobuta is all about having an awesome time, it’s a four on the floor no nosense ride!” Scott tells Australian Times.
This approach is evident in the fun cocktail list, including a Hobo — a seasonal sake based cocktail drunk from a paper-bag covered glass.
Kurobuta will offer a range of dishes (£4.00 to £15.00) or bento boxes (£8.50-£13.50), including unique options such as warm salmon with yuzu truffle miso and puffed rice, sweetcorn kakiage with a sweet and sour ponzu sauce and beef fillet tataki with onion ponzu and garlic crisps.
“Our opening team consists of Australian, Canadian and South Africans and as we brainstorm the ideas, our inherent love of the food and drinks of our home lands starts to come out,” says Hallsworth.
“We are planning to do a lot of Japanese BBQ, loads of fresh zesty flavours, ice cold beers and even a ‘Japanesey’ Dark and Stormy cocktail using the famous Bundaberg Rum.”
With an exciting menu combined with a fun, friendly festive atmosphere in the heart of London, we’re sure Scott’s latest venture is going to be a huge hit.
Kurobuta opens on Thursday 26 September at Connaught Village. It will be open from 9am-11pm. See www.kurobuta-london.com.
Staff are currently being recruited for Kurobuta. For details, click here
Images by Georgia Glynn Smith.