Nobu Hotel London Portman Square executive chef launches plant-based restaurant brand

The executive chef of Nobu Hotel London Portman Square has launched a plant-based restaurant brand with plans to open further sites this year.

Michael Paul (pictured, right) partnered with nutritional therapist Alina Gromova-Jones (pictured, left) to open Kojo in London’s Hampstead in December.

The duo first developed the concept in 2019 and plan to launch two additional Kojo To Go locations in the autumn, with the locations yet to be confirmed.

Kojo’s Asian-inspired menu includes miso-glazed aubergine, Thai basil rice paper rolls, vegetable sushi and miso soups.

Breakfast dishes range from build your own açai bowls to almond milk porridge and pancakes with banana, matcha, fruit compote, coconut yogurt, almonds and date syrup.

Drinks include matcha, beetroot and activated charcoal lattes; fresh pressed juices and cocktails made with suitably produced spirits.

Paul was previously executive chef at London caterer Vacherin and head chef at Chotto Matte in Soho for seven years until 2020.