Story, London
Previous Winners, click the links to read the awards
2021 - Steirereck, Vienna
2020 - the restaurant industry
2019 - Core by Clare Smyth, London
When you know, you know.
That feeling when you emerge from the hectic, overcrowded, concrete jungle and walk in to a restaurant where instant serenity and calm wash over you. That you're amongst friends you've never met who aren't there to "look after you," but take you on a journey instead.
And then you are completely mesmerized by dish-after-dish to the point your new friends are smiling in appreciation before you can even say a word.
ode to NYC pastrami
Story hits all the service beats and the floor, led by Dovile Mazikaite, is prepared and knowledgeable about every drop off. As the best restaurants do, they read the guest and offer a level of engagement that suits them.
Isle of Wright tomatoes, vanilla and caviar
There's no drag or lag as coordination between back of house and front, along with beverage service, is synchronized to perfection.
But let's swing back to food for a moment. Tom Sellers, along with Head Chef Tom Phillips, are putting out some seriously great, aspirational dishes in a cohesive, thoughtful tasting menu that indeed weaves a "story" throughout the meal.
frog legs, vermouth, red wine, garlic, chervil
Story received its second star in 2021 and I don't think it's peaked. It's a superb example of the harmony that can be achieved when all team members pull towards the same goal.... creating the best possible restaurant experience for the guest.
BBQ lamb, smoked aubergine, pepper
To qualify for The Single Table awards, I had to visit that location in the given calendar year.