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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Niva Yadav

Star chef quits David Beckham’s favourite restaurant in Notting Hill

A celebrated London restaurant loved by famous locals including Sir David Beckham and Rita Ora has been rocked by the resignation of its star chef.

Max Coen, the mastermind behind the success of Dorian in west London, is stepping away from the glitzy bistro after four years.

Sir David Beckham is said to be just one of the celebrity clientele who have frequented the award-winning eaterie, renowned for its French-inspired interiors, caviar rosti, and steak.

Mr Coen had been at the helm of the kitchen since it was opened by Australian entrepreneur Chris D’Sylva in 2022. The two quickly became business partners as the restaurant went from strength to strength in London’s culinary scene, earning a Michelin star in 2024.

In a social media post, he wrote: “After four years I have decided to step down from my executive role at Dorian.

“I could never have dreamed of shaping, building, and opening the restaurant that Dorian is today. The team I brought together, the energy and soul we built and the food we created are things I’ll keep with me forever.”

Mr D’Sylva found himself embroiled in controversy last year when he condemned influencers who were turning his restaurant Tuna Fight Club into “entertainment” for “social currency.”

He said he had plans to lessen the TikTok crowds arriving at his establishment, which went viral for transporting £13,000 worth of whole tuna to the restaurant for people to eat raw.

He also runs Eel Sushi, a casual 12-seat sushi bar across the road from Dorian.

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