Crispin, in Spitalfields, London E1, has just announced Michael Thompson as its next guest chef residency.
Fresh from his recent success as head chef at Cub in Hoxton and hosting his foraging-focused pop-up Fodder, Michael will present food that celebrates, and showcases his talent for, sustainable luxury.
Available from Tuesday 10 March to Saturday 25 April at the revered all-day cafe, restaurant and natural wine bar in Spitalfields, Thompson’s menus will rotate weekly.
For six weeks, Thompson will explore unique British produce as well as every aspect of sustainability that can be brought into a venue, gracing the east London restaurant with fascinating dishes such as Squid with egg yolk, smoked Jerusalem artichoke dashi and nori; Jersey Royals with wild garlic and chicken fat vinaigrette; and a Hogweed, whiskey, pear and buckwheat popcorn dessert.
With a plethora of Michelin experience under his belt (Simon Rogan’s Fera and Pollen Street Social), award-winning chef Thompson’s spring takeover menu is sure to bring something very unique to Crispin’s tables, especially highlighting underused British ingredients.
Such ingredients include: Alexanders - a versatile coastal plant with a complex herbal flavour - which Michael forages in Sussex; sections of fish such as ray tails and wrasse that would otherwise be wasted; plus red fox carlin peas and British-grown quinoa from Hodmedod’s, championing farming in the UK.
His dishes are refined, using simple techniques to highlight the natural qualities of a product, with an emphasis on waste reduction. He enjoys seeking out new ingredients, using wild native plants as well as local farmed produce.
Thompson’s forward-thinking culinary style is a perfect fit for Crispin and its sell-out residencies, which showcase emerging chefs and supply a continuous stream of burgeoning culinary talent.
Previous stints include ex-El Bulli chef Rob Roy Cameron and Kitchen FM’s Fabien Spagnolo and Max Truel and, more recently, Fallow’s Jack Croft and Will Murray, ahead of their takeover at the now famous 10 Heddon Street. With 40 covers, Crispin is intimate and casual, and has gained industry and customer plaudits since opening in August 2019.