Perhaps in the overcrowded and ever-improving restaurant market in London, every new restaurant needs to find its own niche. Given the popularity of book sharing, then, a restaurant that tells tales through every dish, and asks diners to leave a book if the food inspires them, has found that niche.
Something new, something different and something fun, Tom Seller's new Restaurant Story on Tooley Street is far from gimmicky. It has received rave reviews, and was booked out as soon as it opened in May 2013.
This is a restaurant that has a story to tell — Photo courtesy of Emma Wallis
The restaurant serves earthy flavors and interesting creations, alike, as well as desserts.
Marina O'Loughlin in "The Guardian" writes, "I can't remember a meal that prompted so many actual, physical reactions." If that sounds worrying, then rest assured that her description implies ecstasy and beyond.
On the menu, one item is simply called "Three Bears," recalling the Goldilocks fable. Three Bears consists of "three dishes of whey-soaked oats" with "shaved cobnut and salted caramel; condensed milk; and comb honey, lemon and flowers."
The menu makes you want to just sit and be spooned concoctions like these whilst you wait pliantly for the next course.
Tom Sellers is just 26 and a graduate of the famous Noma Restaurant. His website says: "We have created a personal journey through food, which has been crafted and inspired by the journeys of others and ourselves."
This part of London has lots of tales to tell, too. So sit back, soak up the history and wait to be enchanted.
If you can get a seat, then it sounds like this place is well worth the visit. Just don't forget to bring a story with you, and you'll leave with some tales to tell.
