Robert Aikens, whose twin brother Tom Aikens runs a Michelin star restaurant in Chelsea, London, is moving to New York and taking British food with him.
Formerly head chef at the Dandelion, Philadelphia’s interpretation of an English pub, Aikens will move to boutique hotel Williams in Murray Hill. Set to open in September, the Williams hotel, previously the Williams Club, will comprise of a trio of restaurants, owned by Jason Hicks and Yves Jadot.
All three restaurants are to have a British spin, most notably The Shakespeare, a basement pub serving British beers. Aikens will also head up The Peacock, a sit down restaurant, and The Library, a decadently styled lounge area.
Aikens is passionate about bringing good, traditional British food to New York, something he feels is currently missing from the restaurant scene.
Aikens has committed to work at Williams for at least a year. After that, Aikens says he will “look for the best possible opening”. Fingers crossed for a collaboration with his talented brother. If the Roux brothers can have a culinary dynasty then perhaps the Aikens are next.