Got ham? The world of Batman inspires the Mayfair restaurant Alyn Williams has now joined
(Picture: Handout)Alyn Williams, the chef who held a Michelin star for eight years at his eponymous Mayfair restaurant, has returned to London to join DC Comics-themed venue Park Row.
Williams made headlines in 2021 when an employment tribunal found he had been unfairly sacked from his role at Alyn Williams at the Westbury, after allowing children to play a “silly” game of football in the restaurant. He was awarded £57,176.30 in damages.
Now London-born Williams is heading to Soho’s Park Row as executive chef. The restaurant, which opened last year, is loosely inspired by Gotham City — the fictional area featured in the Batman comics and films — and has a number of nods to various characters from the DC universe. Details include the bar Pennyworth’s, named for Bruce Wayne’s butler Alfred, while another is The Iceberg Lounge, a hat-tip to the casino opened by super-villain Penguin.
Williams, who was named National Chef of the Year in 2012, said the task of creating a menu to fit with the restaurant’s narrative “has been a fun challenge that I’m sure will entice both foodies and fans alike.”
He added: “Putting the subtle theme to one side, Park Row is very serious about its food and owners Wonderland Restaurants have some incredible projects in the pipeline that I can’t wait to be a part of.”
Williams’ quote suggests his role will be larger than merely working at the Soho spot — which may explain what looks like a curious sideways move for the chef — while his involvement also suggests Wonderland may be wanting to take their food offering more upscale. Williams’ experience includes stints under the likes of Michel Perraud, Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay. He opened Alyn Williams at the Westbury in 2011.
The well-respected chef will deliver dishes such as rabbit, smoked chicken terrine, tarragon and confit rabbit samosa, and Cornish stone bass with crispy caviar and chive butter. His menu will launch next month in October.
James Bulmer, CEO of Wonderland Restaurants, said: “Alyn is one of our country’s greatest chefs with a huge pedigree. He is a massive coup for us here at the Academy of Curiosity and Wonderment and a super talented, lovely and genuine person, a chef who focuses heavily on training and inspiring the future stars of tomorrow.
“His plates display his own unique culinary personality and by merging this with our creative cuisine of theatrical gastronomy, I cannot wait to share our new menu with our guests.”
