Ex-Sexy Fish chef to front new D&D London restaurant
Ben Orpwood, former executive chef of Sexy Fish in Mayfair, London, is to head a new venture, D&D London's Issho in Leeds.
Orpwood, who is known for cooking modern Japanese cuisine, brings experience from Caprice Holdings' Asian seafood restaurant Sexy Fish and Zuma, a Japanese sushi restaurant in London's Knightsbridge.
He joined Zuma in 2005 and worked with the brand to launch its Istanbul and Dubai outposts. He later left the company and moved to Sydney, working in a range of restaurants including the Sydney Collective Group and with Japanese izakaya Daniel San. He returned to London in 2015 to work as executive chef of Sexy Fish.
Orpwood aims to bring a new concept to Leeds by using Yorkshire produce to create Japanese and pan-Asian dishes. He describes Issho's menu as "fresh and interesting and set to include some show-stopping sharing dishes."
Issho (pictured), meaning ‘together' in Japanese, is expected to launch in Leeds' Victoria Gate this spring. The restaurant will span 7,800 sq ft and comprise a rooftop bar, restaurant space and outdoor terrace, as well as a semi-open kitchen with counter-top seating.
Issho will open alongside another D&D restaurant, a Manhattan-style rooftop bar and grill named East 59th, where executive chef Lee Murdoch will oversee operations. The openings mark D&D London's third and fourth sites in Leeds.
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