Future Plate finds permanent home in Somerset House

African and Caribbean chef collective the Future Plate is taking up residence in London’s Somerset House.

Housed in a 148 sq ft high-tech kitchen in the venue’s New Wing, this will be the first permanent home for the business.

Founded in 2021 by Julian George, a specialist working in TV, food and publishing for over 15 years, the Future Plate showcases how cuisine and culture intersect. Amplifying the visibility and work of 35 black chefs, the collective aims to drive increased diversity within the hospitality industry.

Patrons of the Future Plate include Adejoké Bakare, chef patron of Chishuru, as well as King Enekeme, actor Idris Elba’s personal chef.

Collaborators include Victoria Idowu – also known as Chef Vickz – who is rapper Stormzy’s personal chef, and Exose Grant, MasterChef 2019 finalist. Core chefs at the Future Plate include culinary director Jason Howard, Opy Odutayo, development chef Daniel Rampat and William Chilia, MasterChef 2018 semi-finalist.

The Future Plate founder Julian George said: “It is an incredible honour to bring the idea of Future Plate to life and work with some of the best black chefs of our time. My wish is to honour our unnamed culinary greats and together with today’s industry leaders, build a foundation for the next generation.

“Joining the amazing residents community of creatives and innovators at Somerset House is a joy, and the perfect place for us to grow and continue to push boundaries.”

Last year the Future Plate launched the UK’s first African and Caribbean cuisine and culture forum.

The collective will join a range of food and beverage residents on site at Somerset House including Tendril’s Rishim Sachdeva, who opened a new café in the building in May.

Image courtesy of Julian George