Scott Hallsworth launches crowdfunding campaign for Freak Scene permanent site

Former Kurobuta and Nobu chef Scott Hallsworth is crowdfunding for a permanent site for his Australasian inspired oriental pop-up, Freak Scene in Farringdon.

Hallsworth has found a site near the location of the 28-seat pop up opposite Smithfield's market, which will be able to fit 60 covers.

"We couldn't have found a more suitable space with such a sensible rent. Stoked!" he said on the page. "But, despite having such a successful initial run as a pop-up, we don't have the cash reserves to fund the move. We hope you are excited about our rewards and to be a part of what we hope will be the first of several Freak Scene diners around the globe."

Freak Scene launched in July 2017 and was originally planned to run until October. However, the short term rental was extended until the end of the year due to popular demand.

The menu at the permanent site will consist of the same pan-Asian dishes as the pop-up, which takes inspiration from everywhere in Asia from Thailand and Malaysia to South Korea and Japan.

It includes red curry of duck with lychees; nasu dengaku with miso grilled aubergine and caramelised walnuts; Loch Duart salmon sashimi pizza with truffle ponzu, jalapeno and wasabi tobiko; and seared beef salad with pomegranate, onion-peanut ponzu and garlic chips.

Rewards in exchange for pledges include a Japanese flasher beer coaster (£8); a summer BBQ party (£50); a VIP Black Card (£100); a masterclass with Hallsworth (£100); pre-night out snacks and drinks for 10 (£220); private dining at home (£1,000); and exclusive use of Freak Scene (£6,000).

Hallsworth was head chef of Nobu in Park Lane, London for six years before going to his native Australia to open Nobu Melbourne.

On his return to London in 2012 he was appointed head chef of Japanese restaurant Wabi in Horsham, West Sussex. However after eight months the company entered administration and Hallsworth left the business.

He then went on to create Kurobuta on Chelsea's Kings Road and a second site on Kendal Street, Marble Arch.

In October 2014 Hallsworth added a member's club and restaurant, Ramusake, in South Kensington to his portfolio in April 2015 but ended the partnership after six months and has since sold his interest in Kurobuta.

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