Tom Aikens appoints Sam Ashton-Booth to lead development

Sam Ashton-Booth has joined Tom Aikens’ team as head of research and development, with a brief covering various projects including flagship Michelin-starred restaurant Muse.

Announcing the chef’s appointment on Instagram, Aikens said: “Sam is an exceptional talent and has worked in some great kitchens all across the UK. He is a huge part of the team in making everything more consistent and pushing further on the development front at Muse and other projects.”

Ashton-Booth previously led the kitchens of two restaurants by Mark Jarvis: Stem in Mayfair and his debut site Anglo in Farringdon. Earlier in his career he served as head chef of Tom Sellers' Restaurant Story as well as working under Michael Caines for three years.

After leaving Stem in 2019 he pursued projects including a takeover of Robin Gill's Counter Culture in Clapham. Aikens opened Muse in London’s Belgravia in December 2019. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in January.

Photo credit: Nina Sarkhel