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MICHELIN STAR CHEF TOM SELLERS
]What led you to a career as a chef?
It came about because I left school and needed a job. I worked as a pot-wash in my local pub and was taken under the wing of the head chef. He told me I needed to work with a top chef so I moved to London and asked for a job with Tom Aikens and things went from there.
Describe your personal style?
I wear whatever really. I wear a lot made by streetwear brands and I’m pretty much always casual or in my chef’s whites. I only wear a suit if I have to, to an awards ceremony or something. I don’t feel comfortable dressing up.
Who are your design and music icons?
I listen to a lot of grime and hip-hop. I rated Kano’s last album because his lyrics really speak to me – remind me a lot of how I grew up. Then at the restaurant, we’ll always play big hip-hop tunes to get everyone pumped before service. Design-wise I’m a huge fan of Neil Barrett and I love art by Conor Harrington. D*Face’s work is also really refreshing.
What’s the most inspiring place you’ve ever visited?
I get inspired most places I visit to be honest. The culture in Hong Kong is so different from over here that it makes you question everything about your own and I like that. I also have a lifelong love of New York – it’s where I formed a lot of my ideas around food and I try to go back as often as possible.
What drew you to Buster + Punch?
Buster and Punch think about things differently, which is a skill I also aspire to. They’re not afraid to break convention and take forms that otherwise might not be associated with interiors and make them into something sleek and beautiful. As a business too, they do some exciting collaborative work so they’re always worth keeping an eye on!
What new business/projects are you currently working on?
I’m always keeping busy! Story is the central force and I honestly believe that the dishes are the strongest they have ever been. We have innovated and changed a lot of the food and front-of-house recently. I’m lucky and work with some brilliant brands and I also have a site in Hong Kong that will opening at the end of the year. There are a few other projects forming too, which I’m really excited about.
